Balogun’s ban – FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-game red-card ban on Sunday, clearing the U.S. forward to play in Tuesday’s World Cup round of 16 against Belgium. Balogun was sent off for stepping on Tarik Muharemović’s foot during the U.S.’s 2-0 round of 32 win over Bos
SEATTLE — On the verge of a defining World Cup match, the U.S. got the news it needed: Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban was suspended by FIFA on Sunday, meaning the forward will be available for Tuesday’s round of 16 game against Belgium.
Balogun had been sidelined after receiving a red card for stepping on the foot of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Americans’ 2-0 win in the round of 32 on Wednesday.
FIFA’s decision keeps the sanction from being served immediately, but it doesn’t erase it. In the announcement Sunday. FIFA said. “The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.” It added that if Balogun commits another infringement “of a similar nature and gravity” during that probationary period. “the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”.
For a U.S. team that has been waiting years to take a serious step beyond the last few rounds, the timing matters. The host is seeking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. The Americans have missed that mark repeatedly: they were eliminated in the round of 16 to Ghana in 2010. Belgium in 2014 and the Netherlands in 2022. They failed to advance from the group stage in 2006 and did not qualify for the 2018 tournament.
Balogun’s status is also tied to the momentum on the pitch. He leads the Americans with three goals, and the match against Belgium arrives with a familiar sense of urgency: this is one more chance to keep the run going past the stage where the U.S. has often fallen short.
Folarin Balogun FIFA ban suspended World Cup Belgium United States round of 16 Tarik Muharemović
So they’re just letting him play?? FIFA really be on vibes.
I don’t get it though, how can the red card just be “suspended” like that. If he stepped on his foot then that’s still a foul right?
Probation for a year?? That sounds like school rules lol. But also maybe they know the US needed him vs Belgium because otherwise they would’ve been cooked.
Wait so he got suspended, but then not suspended? I’m assuming it means he’s good for Belgium but still gonna get another yellow or whatever if he messes up again. FIFA loves loopholes, it’s basically karma for stepping on somebody’s toe.