Balogun cleared for Belgium match after FIFA suspends ban
FIFA put the U.S. striker on one year of probation instead of enforcing an automatic one-match ban from his red card.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
FIFA has cleared Folarin Balogun to play for the U.S. men’s national team against Belgium in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match. The decision matters because Balogun is a leading U.S. attacker and had faced an automatic one-game suspension after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA said its Disciplinary Committee suspended the one-match ban and placed Balogun on probation for one year. Bloomberg reported that Balogun had received a red card in last week’s U.S. match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a foul on a defender.
Bloomberg reported that a red card normally brings an automatic one-game suspension. FIFA’s decision means Balogun can be selected for the Belgium match in Seattle, keeping one of the team’s main scorers available for the knockout round.
Balogun has scored three goals in the tournament, Bloomberg reported. A Getty Images caption carried by Fortune identified him celebrating after scoring the United States’ first goal during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in Santa Clara, California.
The Royal Belgian Football Association criticized FIFA’s move. In a statement on its website, the Belgian federation said it was “astonished” by the decision and was reviewing possible responses.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the Belgian federation said.
The U.S. team said it accepted FIFA’s ruling and welcomed Balogun’s availability. “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” the team said in a statement. “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.”
President Donald Trump praised FIFA’s action on social media, writing, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” The New York Times reported Sunday, citing three people familiar with the conversation, that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked him to review Balogun’s suspension.
Bloomberg reported that FIFA has previously set aside player suspensions. Cristiano Ronaldo avoided missing the start of this year’s tournament for Portugal after a foul in a World Cup qualifier, according to Bloomberg.
This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.