Balogun cleared to face Belgium after red card ban rescinded

Folarin Balogun, the United States’ lead scorer, is eligible to play in Monday’s World Cup last-16 match against Belgium after FIFA’s disciplinary committee rescinded the one-game suspension tied to his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

U.S. Soccer confirmed the decision ahead of the match in Seattle, saying it was “pleased” Balogun can compete. The decision was first reported by The Athletic, CBS News reported.

“We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” U.S. Soccer 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.”

FIFA’s disciplinary committee said it acted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows it to rescind red cards, The Guardian reported. The ruling puts Balogun on a one-year probationary period. If he commits “another infringement of a similar nature and gravity” during that year, he will serve the one-game ban.

Balogun was sent off in the second half of the United States’ win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a challenge on a defender. No foul was initially called, but the video assistant referee recommended a review after Balogun appeared to step on the defender’s ankle. After watching slow-motion footage, the referee issued a straight red card for violent conduct.

The decision stunned commentators as well as U.S. players and staff, who said the contact was unintentional.

“For me? Never a red card,” U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the game. “Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.”

Balogun later described being ejected as “surreal” and said he tried to control his reaction despite believing the decision was unfair.

“I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion,” Balogun said. “There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust.”

At the time of the red card, FIFA and U.S. Soccer officials said the automatic one-game suspension that accompanies a red card could not be appealed, The Guardian reported. U.S. Soccer did not say why the suspension was overturned, according to CBS News. FIFA has not issued a separate public statement, CBS News reported.

The reversal means the United States will have its lead scorer available for its knockout match against Belgium. FIFA previously used Article 27 to clear Cristiano Ronaldo to start Portugal’s opening World Cup matches after a red card against the Republic of Ireland, The Guardian reported.