FIFA Lifts Suspension on Folarin Balogun Ahead of World Cup Match

SEATTLE – Folarin Balogun is cleared to play for the U.S. in their World Cup elimination game against Belgium on Monday. FIFA decided to rescind the one-game suspension originally issued after Balogun received a red card during the U.S. team’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIFA announced this decision on Sunday morning. Their statement detailed the suspension of the match penalty according to article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Should Balogun commit a similar offense within the next year, the suspension will be reinstated, along with any penalties for the new violation.

Balogun is currently leading the U.S. team with three goals over three matches. He is the first American to achieve this feat in a World Cup since 1930.

The red card incident occurred 16 minutes into the second half of the game against Bosnia. Balogun collided with defender Tarik Muharemovic, unintentionally stepping on Muharemovic’s ankle. Both players fell, and initially, no foul or card was issued by referee Raphael Claus. However, the video assistant referee advised Claus to review the play. After seeing the replay, Claus decided to issue the red card.

Following the game, Balogun shook the referee’s hand. He later addressed the decision to issue the red card with respect during his first public comments on Friday.

U.S. Soccer issued a statement on Sunday, expressing acceptance of FIFA’s decision and relief that Balogun can compete. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle,” the statement read. The team was made aware of FIFA’s decision on Sunday morning, and Balogun received the news while traveling to a training session.

The U.S. Soccer spokesman noted this development, emphasizing the team’s readiness for the upcoming match and appreciating their supporters’ continued enthusiasm.