United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for his country’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA dismissed the one-match ban he received following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina
Balogun, 25, was sent off during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 after receiving a straight red card for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed that although the automatic one-match suspension remains in place, its enforcement has been suspended for a one-year probationary period.
The governing body said: “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.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
The decision was welcomed by US President Donald Trump, who praised FIFA in a post on Truth Social.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also called for the dismissal to be reviewed, arguing that Balogun had been treated unfairly.
Speaking at a news conference, Rubio said: “It was great. They got screwed with that red card.
“There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that.”
Balogun has been one of the standout performers for Mauricio Pochettino’s side at the tournament, scoring twice after the Americans opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
The former Arsenal forward also found the net against Bosnia-Herzegovina before being dismissed in the 64th minute following his challenge on Muharemovic.
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