Balogun eligible for Belgium match after FIFA suspends ban

Folarin Balogun is eligible to play for the United States against Belgium after FIFA suspended the implementation of his one-match ban for a one-year probationary period. The decision changes his availability for the World Cup round-of-16 match referenced by ESPN.

The case stems from Balogun’s red card in the United States’ previous win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. ESPN reports that FIFA had earlier indicated the suspension would stand with no appeal process, before later citing Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to delay enforcement of the ban.

The Royal Belgian Football Association responded critically, saying it was surprised by the decision and was reviewing possible options. The timing is significant because Balogun was the United States’ leading scorer at the tournament with three goals at the time of the report.

The wider issue for editors and readers is not only whether the red card was correct, but whether FIFA has clearly explained why the sanction no longer applies immediately. Former Premier League referee Andy Davies, quoted by ESPN, questioned aspects of the VAR process while also saying the final handling lacked a transparent rationale.