Balogun Cleared, Belgium Furious: Inside FIFA’s Most Controversial World Cup Call

06.07.26 FT World Cup

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FIFA shocked the football world on 5 July by freezing Folarin Balogun’s red card ban clearing the USMNT striker to face Belgium in the World Cup.

VAR drama against Bosnia

Balogun was initially sent off just after the hour mark during the 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The striker attempted to shield the ball but slipped, catching Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle. The referee initially let play continue before VAR intervened upgrading the foul to a straight dismissal. Despite playing with ten men, Malik Tillman sealed the win securing the Americans' first World Cup knockout victory since 2002.

A Disciplinary Loophole

Standard tournament protocol dictates an automatic one match suspension for straight red cards. FIFA utilized Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the ban for a one year probationary period.

The red card remains on the player's official record but the punishment is entirely on hold unless a similar offense occurs within the next twelve months.

Dressing room relief and political pressure

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino insisted the challenge was merely an unfortunate collision, a sentiment echoed by winger Christian Pulisic.

The Guardian detailed how American players received the news via social media on the team bus before getting official confirmation from the federation. Off the pitch, the situation took a wild turn.

AP revealed that the White House had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding the dismissal, prompting Donald Trump to publicly thank the governing body on Truth Social for correcting the ruling.

Belgian Fury & Legal Threats

Belgium, the upcoming Round of 16 opponent, is understandably livid with the sudden reversal.

The Belgian FA highlighted a blatant contradiction in the rulebook pointing to Article 66.4 which mandates an automatic suspension following a sending off. Cadena SER noted that the Belgians found the decision highly surprising and are exploring all legal options to protect fair play principles ahead of kickoff.

A Historical Shift in FIFA Precedent

Historically, FIFA is notoriously stubborn regarding World Cup red cards. French legend Laurent Blanc famously missed the 1998 World Cup final after a controversial dismissal against Croatia, with FIFA refusing to intervene despite clear video evidence proving Slaven Bilic simulated the contact.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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