FIFA allows Balogun to play in World Cup match against Belgium

FIFA has allowed United States forward Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. This comes after FIFA lifted the suspension that followed his red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun scored the winning goal in the USA’s Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was sent off later in that match, which caused an automatic one-match suspension.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reversed the suspension ahead of Monday’s knockout game in Seattle. They found that the ban should be put on hold, as reported by Fox Sports.

On Sunday, FIFA announced that the suspension would be on hold for a year. “In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement.

This decision came even though the United States Soccer Federation could not formally appeal the red card under FIFA rules. But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had called for the red card to be removed.

Reports say the situation became controversial because the Video Assistant Referee told Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to check the challenge using the pitch-side monitor. This was surprising since Balogun had not been warned on the field initially.

The U.S. Soccer Federation reacted positively to the news. “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.

“Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans,” the federation said in a statement through Fox football analyst Stu Holden.

Balogun is the leading scorer for the United States in this tournament, with three goals.

FIFA’s decision follows Chapter 4, Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code. This article states that a judicial body “may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”

The code also says that if a player benefiting from a suspended ban commits another similar offense during the probation period, the suspension can be canceled. The original punishment may then be enforced along with any new disciplinary actions.

Balogun’s presence is expected to strengthen the United States as they aim for a spot in the quarter-finals against Belgium.