USA striker Balogun's one-game ban suspended by Fifa

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Folarin Balogun has scored three goals for co-hosts United States at this World CupByAdwaidh RajanBBC Sport journalistPublished2 hours agoFolarin Balogun is available to play for the United States in their World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after his one-game ban was suspended by Fifa. The 25-year-old striker was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic as the co-hosts won their last-32 tie 2-0. Fifa said that the automatic one-match ban will be suspended for a year. "In line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," it said in a statement. "If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement." US President Donald Trump thanked Fifa for "reversing a great injustice" in a post on Truth Social.Trump, a friend of Fifa president Gianni Infantino, wrote: "Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."USA forward Christian Pulisic said the squad learned the one-game ban had been suspended on the bus to training on Sunday and said Balogun was "super happy".Pulisic added: "Just a big smile on his face and all of ours. The foul wasn't what it was, it was harsh."Figure caption, Goalscorer Balogun sent off for USABalogun - the US World Cup star who wouldn't have been American under Trump's planPublished19 JuneUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those who had demanded the decision be reviewed.Asked about the USA's World Cup performance during a news conference, Rubio said: "It was great. They got screwed with that red card. "There needs to be an appeal process for that. It's probably too late for that."More broadly in the US, there has been much disquiet from fans about the red card for one of their star players. Many media outlets have questioned the decision and the way football applies its rules - in terms of having to leave the field of play after a red card, and then being banned for a future match. Balogun has been a key figure for the US at the World Cup, scoring twice for Mauricio Pochettino's side as they began their campaign with a 4-1 win against Paraguay.The former Arsenal forward also opened the scoring against Bosnia before getting sent off in the 64th minute after a tussle with Muharemovic for a looping ball. As Balogun attempted to shield the ball Muharemovic managed to get in front of him, and as the forward's boot returned to the ground it landed on the back of the Bosnian's ankle, causing it to twist.Brazilian referee Raphael Claus brandished the red card after he was sent to the pitchside monitor to watch a super slow-motion replay of the incident by the video assistant referee (VAR).According to Fifa regulations, a red card "automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match" but the governing body "may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures".During the group stages of the tournament, Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo had his one-match suspension increased to five matches for his foul on Canada's Ismael Kone, who was left with a broken leg.But there is recent precedent for Fifa suspending a World Cup ban. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was cleared to play in his country's opening match of the tournament despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the World Cup qualifiers.The 41-year-old was sent off for an elbow to Dara O'Shea's back during Portugal's 2-0 qualifying defeat in November and initially received a three-match ban.But after sitting out a game against Armenia, Fifa suspended the remainder of the ban for a year on 25 November, allowing Ronaldo to feature in Portugal's opening two World Cup matches.Ronaldo and the World Cup reprieve: special treatment or justified? Published26 November 2025BBC offers 'Stay Up or Catch Up' for England v MexicoPublished1 hour agoAnalysis - 'Question now is how decision was made'ByDale JohnsonFootball issues correspondentOn Thursday, Balogun became the 12th player to receive a red card at this World Cup.He will be the first not to serve a suspension.Fifa's decision to, effectively, overturn his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina is remarkable.Unlike in the Premier League, there is no appeal process against a red card at the World Cup. It is a process intended to protect the integrity of the referee.Many will point to Cristiano Ronaldo only serving one match of a three-game ban after being sent off for violent conduct in qualifying.That is fair, but there are many examples of Fifa showing clemency before the start of a tournament.This is different. This is a red card at the World Cup.All of a sudden, the host nation's star player is available for a crucial knockout game. There was a media frenzy in the US to get it overturned.And that means the real question now is, how was the decision made? Fifa is giving no details.Trump has thanked Fifa on social media, saying a "great injustice" has been reversed.Given the well established close relationship between the White House and Fifa, questions will be asked of the highly unusual decision in favour of the co-hosts.Take Qatar's Madibo, sent off for a challenge that broke the leg of Canada midfielder Kone.It looked like an unfortunate accident, but Madibo was given a five-match ban.It leaves the impression that Fifa is making things up as it goes along.Figure caption, Balogun scores and sees red as USA beat BosniaRelated topicsFootballFIFA World Cup 2026USABelgiumMore on this storyWorld Cup fixtures and group standingsHow to watch the World Cup on the BBCPublished6 JuneEverything you need to know about the World CupPublished1 April