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Folarin Balogun has been cleared by FIFA to play for the United States in its Round of 16 clash against Belgium after the governing body’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the implementation of his one-match ban. Balogun had initially been ruled out after receiving a controversial red card during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA reviewed the case and decided to defer the suspension under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, making him eligible for the knockout fixture.
The decision is a major boost for the United States, with Balogun entering the match as the team’s leading scorer at the tournament with three goals. The U.S. Soccer Federation welcomed FIFA’s ruling, saying it was pleased with the outcome and that the team’s full focus had shifted to the high-stakes encounter against Belgium in Seattle. FIFA noted that while the suspension has been deferred, it could be reactivated if Balogun commits a similar offence during a one-year probationary period.
Balogun’s availability significantly strengthens the American attack as the co-hosts bid for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. Belgium, meanwhile, will now have to contend with one of the tournament’s most in-form forwards in what is expected to be one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.
