FIFA Suspends Balogun’s Red Card, Allowing Play in World Cup Round of 16

In a surprising decision, FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban, allowing the U.S. forward to participate in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision was endorsed by President Donald Trump. Balogun received a red card after inadvertently stepping on Tarik Muharemović’s foot during the U.S.’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

A red card usually results in an automatic one-game suspension. However, news of Balogun’s clearance reached players via social media during a short bus ride to training at the University of Washington. “We thought it was AI at first,” defender Chris Richards shared. “We weren’t sure if it was true.”

President Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been known for efforts to cultivate a relationship with Trump, even presenting him a FIFA Peace Prize during a World Cup draw. Trump expressed appreciation on social media, stating, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

The suspension and subsequent clearance of Balogun’s red card were contentious topics. U.S. star Christian Pulisic noted, “If you look at the foul, there was no intent at all. Worse incidents occurred in the tournament.” The U.S. Soccer Federation was informed of FIFA’s decision via its portal at 10:31 a.m. EDT.

“The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA announced. “If Balogun commits another similar infringement during the probation, the suspension will be enforced without prejudice to any new sanctions.”

Balogun’s performance includes a goal that gave the U.S. a lead against Bosnia. With three goals, he ties Landon Donovan from 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in the World Cup, behind Bert Patenaude’s four in 1930. Now playing for Monaco, the 25-year-old scored 13 Ligue 1 goals last season and has 12 goals in 30 international matches. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents residing in London, Balogun shifted his national team loyalty from England in 2023.

Richards remarked, “He strikes fear into a lot of defenders.” The host U.S. aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. The team previously fell in the round of 16 in 2010, 2014, and 2022, failing to progress in 2006 and missing qualification in 2018.

The USSF stated Balogun would not be available for comments but shared an image on social media with U.S. fans and the music “Bad” by Michael Jackson overlaid. Earlier, Balogun suggested a yellow card “would have been fair.” FIFA noted its decision was based on Article 27 of disciplinary rules, allowing suspension of disciplinary measures during a probation period.

FIFA previously deferred parts of bans for players like Cristiano Ronaldo in November, as well as Nicolás Otamendi and Moisés Caicedo, allowing them to play in initial World Cup matches. Political pressure in the past allowed Brazil’s Garrincha to participate in the 1962 final after a semifinal send-off.