Multiple FIFA officials told The Athletic after the game that a team is not able to appeal against a red card<\/a> or the subsequent suspension.<\/p>\n However, Balogun is set to be available for the game at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday as his ban has been suspended.<\/p>\n FIFA confirmed Balogun\u2019s eligibility to play after The Athletic exclusively revealed the news earlier on Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n A statement from the governing body and World Cup organizer read:\u00a0\u201cIn line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!\u201d U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social after the news had broken.<\/p>\n Players found out about the change on the team bus to training at University of Washington on Sunday. \u201cObviously for us it gives us a boost,\u201d star player Christian Pulisic told reporters.<\/p>\n \u201cWe weren\u2019t quite sure if it was true or not. I think everyone knows with AI \u2026 We ultimately found out on social media. It was cool to get confirmation it was true,\u201d defender Chris Richards said. Balogun\u2019s reaction was \u201cLit,\u201d Richards said with a laugh.<\/p>\n U.S. Soccer said it \u201caccepted\u201d and was \u201cpleased\u201d with the decision. \u201cOur full attention is focused on the round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle,\u202fand we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans,\u201d it added in a statement.<\/p>\n The Belgian federation said it was \u201castonished\u201d by the decision, that it was in \u201cdirect contradiction\u201d with the competition regulations and said it is exploring \u201call potential options\u201d.<\/p>\n The statement from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) continued: \u201cIn order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.\u201d<\/p>\n Article 27 of FIFA\u2019s disciplinary code states that \u201cthe judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.\u201d<\/p>\n It adds: \u201cIf the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.\u201d<\/p>\n Cristiano Ronaldo avoided a suspension<\/a> for the start of the World Cup in similar circumstances after FIFA handed the Portugal captain a three-match ban, but with the final two games suspended for \u201ca one-year probation period.\u201d<\/p>\n Balogun has started in all but one game for the tournament co-hosts, scoring twice in their opener against Paraguay. The forward was subsequently rested against Turkey in the final group-stage game before returning to score against Bosnia in the first half of the 2-0 win in Santa Clara, Calif.<\/p>\n He has registered at least one goal contribution in every World Cup game he has played in so far.<\/p>\n Balogun was not immediately sent off after the incident. He had reached out to position himself as he pursued a ball up the left sideline after an hour of play, landing on the back of Muharemovic\u2019s leg and raking down to his ankle.<\/p>\n The on-field referee Raphael Claus didn\u2019t initially show Balogun a red card but was instructed to go to the pitchside monitor to review the incident, before telling Levi\u2019s Stadium Balogun had committed a \u201cserious foul\u201d and would be sent off.<\/p>\n \n Balogun was dismissed for his challenge on Muharemovic. (Michael Steele \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n The laws of soccer, which are decided by the International Football Association Board, state that \u201ca tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.<\/p>\n \u201cAny player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.\u201d<\/p>\n World Cup match suspensions cannot be appealed under the terms of FIFA\u2019s competition rules, with the organization\u2019s\u00a0independent disciplinary committee holding the power to increase a ban to encompass more games should it see fit.<\/p>\n Paraguay\u2019s Miguel Almiron\u2019s one-game ban<\/a> for covering his mouth in a situation of confrontation was not increased, but Assim Madibo, the Qatar midfielder,\u00a0saw his suspension changed to a five-match ban<\/a> for his tackle that broke the leg of Canada\u2019s Isma\u00ebl Kon\u00e9.<\/p>\n The decision to dismiss Balogun drew heavy criticism from his U.S. teammates as well as supporters and television analysts alike.<\/p>\n \u201cFor me? Never a red card,\u201d head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. \u201cNever an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just so unfortunate, honestly,\u201d Pulisic said when asked immediately after Wednesday\u2019s game. \u201cLooking back at it, it just seems so harsh. I just told him, he\u2019s done so much for us, and now we got his back.\u201d<\/p>\n Now, Balogun is free to face Belgium, with the game kicking off at 8pm ET on Monday.<\/p>\n Balogun is integral \u2013 this is massive for the U.S.<\/p>\n Analysis by senior writer Tom Bogert<\/p>\n Balogun being available is a huge boost to the USMNT and an even bigger surprise to fans.<\/p>\n FIFA pointed to its rulebook, saying a red card suspension could not be appealed and then on Friday, U.S. Soccer told\u00a0The Athletic that it had been informed by FIFA that Balogun\u2019s ban would be one game, with no additional matches added. By Sunday, The Athletic shocked the soccer world with news that Balogun would be available.<\/p>\n On the field, Balogun is the team\u2019s leading scorer and best forward. Previous days were spent debating how Pochettino would alter his team without Balogun \u2014 would Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright start, or Christian Pulisic be used in a more central role? None of those options seemed great; none of them replace the totality of what Balogun brings to the team.<\/p>\n Balogun\u2019s finishing is integral, as is his movement. The former Arsenal player runs into the channels, creating space for players around him. He has shown a more physical side of his game at the World Cup, battling with center backs much bigger than him. His work against the ball has helped the USMNT\u2019s counterpress.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/balogun-red-card-bosnia-scaled.jpg\")
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