In a stunning turn of events, United States mens’ national team striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play vs. Belgium despite receiving a red card in the Americans’ World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The news comes just two days after FIFA ruled that Balogun would indeed serve his automatic one-game suspension for receiving a red card with no path for the U.S. to appeal. So, what changed?
Here is everything to know about why Balogun will be available for USA vs. Belgium on Monday at Seattle Stadium:
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The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that Balogun’s suspension would be suspended for one year, citing Chapter 4, Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code on suspension of implementation of disciplinary measures, which notes that the “judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
Folarin Balogun will only have to serve his one-match suspension if he commits another infringement of “similar nature and gravity during the year-long probationary period.” In the event that happens, FIFA will revoke the suspension and the sanction will be enforced “without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
(Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images)
