Folarin Balogun was cleared to play for the United States against Belgium after FIFA overturned his red card ban following his sending-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina
12:32, 07 Jul 2026Updated 12:43, 07 Jul 2026
Folarin Balogun was cleared to play for the United States against Belgium
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Folarin Balogun was cleared to play for the United States against Belgium
Folarin Balogun has acknowledged that the ruling permitting him to feature for the United States against Belgium on Monday was "controversial", but maintained he played no part in the process.
The circumstances surrounding the decision to suspend an automatic one-match ban — handed to Balogun following his red card in the previous fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina — remain shrouded in uncertainty, despite US President Donald Trump confirming he personally lobbied his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino on the matter.
Former Arsenal striker Balogun's inclusion did little to spare the US from a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, and FIFA continues to field mounting questions over political interference, notwithstanding Infantino's assertion that the choice to suspend the ban rested entirely with FIFA's independent disciplinary committee.
Balogun told reporters after the match: "Of course, it's controversial when the decision is overturned. We accepted the decision when I saw the red card, and we accepted the decision when we were told I could play.
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"I was not involved in the process. It had nothing to do with me personally."
Balogun also revealed he had sought out Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia following the final whistle to offer his congratulations on the Red Devils' victory. Garcia responded warmly, saying: "He came to me, I liked that. He's not to blame. He didn't do anything wrong. I respect him."
The Belgian football association (RBFA) has yet to confirm whether it regards the matter as closed or whether it intends to pursue further action, after its appeal against the Balogun ruling was thrown out earlier on Monday.
FIFA's disciplinary committee has issued comments on the decision to suspend Balogun's red card, confirming that it invoked Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code – a provision that permits the discretionary suspension of disciplinary measures.
Yet Article 66.4 of the same code stipulates that a sending-off "automatically" triggers a ban for the following fixture, and sources with knowledge of FIFA's position had indicated last week that Balogun would face a minimum one-match suspension, with the prospect of a lengthier punishment also on the table.
The comments noted that Article 27 had been applied owing to the "specific circumstances" of the Balogun case, though they offered no further clarification as to what those circumstances entailed.
The discretionary application of Article 27 appears to leave FIFA vulnerable to challenges regarding all 'automatic' suspensions throughout the remainder of this World Cup – with the Football Association currently weighing up its options in relation to the red card shown to defender Jarell Quansah against Mexico.
UEFA declared on Monday that FIFA had "crossed a red line" with the Balogun ruling, though the world governing body pushed back against such criticism, asserting: "Reviewing the legal consequences of red cards in football is nothing new in the modern game.
"For instance, in the majority of top-tier leagues belonging to UEFA-affiliated member associations – the overturning of red cards is a common disciplinary measure, yet this has never raised concerns about crossing any 'red line'.
"And again, it should be emphasised that in the decision under scrutiny, the red card was not overturned. Suspending the effects of a red card based on an explicit provision of the applicable regulations is a much more balanced measure."
The FA rulebook contains specific clauses for contesting wrongful dismissals, with written explanations for the rescinding of cards made publicly available.
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino did not hide his frustration at the "politics and manipulation" that cast a shadow over his side's World Cup elimination, appearing to aim his displeasure at those who took issue with Balogun's clearance.
"It didn't affect our performance. It's not an excuse. It wasn't our day," the Argentinian said.
"But in a personal way, what is the point to insult or receive a lot of bad messages?".
"It's a rule for the federation to apply and to try (to overturn the ban). My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA allow for you to have the player, it's not a problem.
"I feel disappointed with too many people. They put politics and manipulation, talk about ethics and integrity (first). If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in a personal way."
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