​Is Folarin Balogun playing against Belgium? Latest updates on the USMNT star’s red card suspension and appeal originally appeared in The Sporting News. The Sporting News should be added as a preferred source by clicking here. The United States spent much of the last few days believing it would have to face Belgium without Balogun after a controversial red card, only for FIFA to issue a stunning reversal on Sunday. With Balogun’s red card suspended and his suspension erased for now, the U.S. hopes to have its star on the field. Belgium, meanwhile, is frustrated by the decision.
After Belgium was granted an appeal with less than 24 hours until kickoff, the USA still had to worry about Balogun’s availability for the match until a final decision was made about seven hours before kickoff. Here’s what you need to know about Balogun’s status for the Round of 16 game against Belgium. More: Can the USA beat Belgium? Balogun will play against Belgium. While FIFA granted Belgium the right to appeal, the organization later declared the appeal inadmissible, clearing the way for Balogun to play. “The RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision,” FIFA said in a statement. Balogun’s eligibility was reinstated Sunday when FIFA confirmed that his red card had been suspended for a period of one year. Here’s more to know about why Balogun’s one-game ban was rescinded. More: Why FIFA chose to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban.
There is no appeals process for a red card, so the United States could not directly appeal Balogun’s suspension, but the FIFA Disciplinary Code gives the organization an opening to suspend a red card. “The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure,” Article 27 of the code says. “By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.” Balogun is effectively on FIFA probation for the next year, but with the red card suspended, his suspension is null and void against Belgium.
Reports after FIFA’s decision indicated U.S. president Donald Trump appealed to FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the red card. On Monday, Trump confirmed he “asked for a review,” calling the referee’s decision “horrible” but denying that he put direct pressure on Infantino to make the decision. “I didn’t tell him what to do, I can’t tell him what to do,” Trump said.
Regardless of Trump’s role, Balogun is officially set to play against Belgium. After Belgium requested an explanation from FIFA about the reversal, FIFA responded with a letter saying it had granted Belgium’s federation permission to appeal. FIFA gave Belgium until 8 a.m. ET on Monday to compile its case.