FIFA suspends Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, clearing him for USA vs Belgium

What happened, where, who said it, when and key outcome: Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-game suspension, given after his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup co-host match, was suspended for one year by FIFA, the world governing body announced, leaving the 25-year-old striker eligible to play in the United States’ round of 16 tie with Belgium.

The red card was shown when Balogun fouled Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic during the last-32 match that the co-hosts won 2-0. FIFA cited article 27 of its disciplinary code in a statement explaining the suspension would be on probation for one year and that the sanction would be enforced if a similar infringement occurs within that period.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and indicated it was examining possible responses, arguing the ruling contradicts competition regulations that state a red card automatically results in suspension.

Reports from AFP and Reuters said former US president Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review and later thanked FIFA on Truth Social for “reversing a great injustice,” comments the BBC has not independently confirmed. US forward Christian Pulisic said the squad learned of the suspended ban on the way to training and that Balogun was visibly relieved.

FIFA’s statement clarified that if Balogun commits another similar offense during the probationary year, the suspension will be reinstated and other sanctions may apply. The RBFA noted prior World Cup red cards had led to immediate suspensions and viewed this decision as inconsistent with those precedents.

FIFA rules state a red card automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match but allow the governing body to impose or suspend additional disciplinary measures. The federation previously increased a one-match suspension to five matches for Qatar’s Assim Madibo after his challenge on Canada’s Ismael Kone, which resulted in a broken leg.

The incident involving Balogun occurred after he scored to open the match against Bosnia and was sent off in the 64th minute following a tussle for a looping ball that left Muharemovic with an ankle twist. Referee Raphael Claus issued the red card after reviewing a super slow-motion replay via the pitchside monitor and the video assistant referee (VAR).

Commentary has focused on the unusual nature of FIFA suspending a World Cup ban after a sending-off during the tournament. Critics, including some US officials, have called for clearer appeal mechanisms. Observers cited the earlier case of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose qualifying red-card ban was partially suspended by FIFA before a World Cup, as a precedent but noted the differences between decisions made before and during the tournament.