The United States will have its leading scorer available for the World Cup Round of 16 after FIFA suspended the one-match ban stemming from his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Donald Trump praised the decision on social media.
The United States received a major boost ahead of its FIFA World Cup Round of 16 showdown with Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match suspension issued to striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun, who was sent off during the Americans’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, is now eligible to play after FIFA opted to suspend the disciplinary sanction rather than enforce the automatic one-match ban.
The decision means USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will have one of his most dangerous attacking players available for one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Balogun was shown a red card following an on-field review after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemović. Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal would normally trigger an automatic suspension for the following match.
Instead, FIFA’s judicial body invoked Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows disciplinary authorities to suspend the execution of a sanction, either in full or in part, under specific circumstances.
As a result, Balogun’s suspension has been placed on hold for a one-year probationary period. If the striker commits a similar disciplinary offense during that period, the suspended ban can be reinstated in addition to any new punishment.
The ruling is highly unusual and has already generated significant debate among fans and commentators, given its timing during the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Balogun has been one of the United States’ standout performers throughout the tournament, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four appearances.
His availability is viewed as a significant boost for a U.S. team hoping to continue its impressive World Cup run against Belgium.
The decision also drew a reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump, who celebrated the ruling in a post on social media.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a great injustice,” Trump wrote.
With Balogun cleared to play, the United States will head into the Round of 16 at full attacking strength as it looks to book a place in the quarterfinals.
