Normally, this dismissal would require a one-match suspension, but FIFA took the unusual step of suspending the penalty for one year. “In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the enforcement of match suspensions will be suspended for a one-year trial period,” the international governing body said in a statement.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of a similar nature and severity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction shall be enforced without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new violation.”
President Trump was overjoyed by the ruling, and he immediately took to Truth Social to express his gratitude for FIFA’s decision. “Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice! President Donald J. Trump,” he wrote.
Balogun will therefore be available for the crucial last-16 match against Belgium, scheduled for early Tuesday morning in Seattle. The development comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those who called for the one-game suspension to be reconsidered.
Speaking at a press conference, he said of the match: “It was great. That red card ruined it for them. There’s going to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that.”
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the U.S. national team, told reporters: “For me? There was never a red card. There was no intention to step on a player. It was a normal act that happens by chance in soccer.”
GiveMeSport also claimed that the White House had contacted Gianni Infantino to request a review of FIFA’s original decision. However, the same publication said FIFA officials confirmed that they would not have any influence on decisions due to Article 27 and the “independent nature” of the disciplinary committee.
According to The Athletic, Chris Richards spoke about the moment he found out Balogun was available for next week’s selection. “I eventually found out through social media,” Richards told the magazine.
Explaining Balogun’s reaction to the news, Richards added: he chuckled.
The news comes amid flexibility being given to FIFA’s disciplinary rules regarding player suspensions. The Code states: “The judicial body may decide to suspend, in whole or in part, the implementation of disciplinary measures.
“If a person benefiting from a suspension commits another violation of a similar nature and severity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial authority and the sanction shall be enforced without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for new violations.”
