Folarin Balogun eligible to play for US v Belgium as Fifa rescinds red card suspension
Source: The Guardian
Folarin Balogun’s red card and one-game suspension received in the United States’ previous World Cup game has been rescinded and the striker will be available to play in Monday’s last-16 game against Belgium, Fifa announced on Sunday.
In a statement, the Fifa disciplinary committee said that they made the decision in line with Article 27 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code, which allows them the authority to rescind things like red cards and other disciplinary measures. As a result, Balogun will be on a probationary period of one year. If, during that year, Balogun commits what the code refers to as “another infringement of a similar nature and gravity,” the rescinding of the suspension will be revoked and Balogun will then need to serve his one-game ban.
Fifa previously used Article 27 to clear Cristiano Ronaldo to start the opening games of Portugal’s World Cup after his red card against the Republic of Ireland.
“We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” US 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.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/05/folarin-balogun-red-card-suspension-lifted-usmnt-belgium-world-cup?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
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“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.”
