The United States men’s national soccer team received an unexpected roster boost ahead of their World Cup last-16 knockout match against Belgium, as FIFA officially overturned a one-match suspension issued to forward Folarin Balogun.
Background
Balogun had received a red card during the USA’s group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after scraping his studs down the calf of an opposing player. The automatic one-game ban would have sidelined the striker for the critical opening knockout round.
However, in an unexpected administrative turn, FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code to “suspend” the disciplinary measures, immediately restoring Balogun’s eligibility for selection.
The international football governing body’s decision follows public pushback from USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who heavily contested the referee’s original ruling on the field. Following the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pochettino defended his player by stating that Balogun’s red card incident was “never a red card” and “not intentional.”
The decision quickly drew attention from the highest levels of American government. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social to express his approval, thanking FIFA for “reversing a great injustice.”
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
