Folarin Balogun’s suspension at the World Cup: United States team without appeal and player may have extended hook By Beatriz
2 min read
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The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) has no way to appeal the red card given to Folarin Balogun in the recent victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The striker is therefore automatically out of the World Cup round of 16 clash against Belgium.
In addition to his certain absence from the next match, Balogun still faces the possibility of an extended suspension. FIFA’s disciplinary panel may assess that the play on Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic deserves a greater punishment than the automatic one-game penalty awarded for red cards at the World Cup.
A precedent for such a measure occurred with Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo, who had his suspension from one match increased to five games by FIFA after Canadian Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg in a play during the group stage. However, sources indicate that no decision has been made yet on reviewing the duration of Balogun’s suspension.
According to Article 66.4 of the FIFA disciplinary code, “if a player or member of the coaching staff is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card [for a second yellow card], he will be automatically suspended from his team’s subsequent match.” This rule defines the minimum suspension.
Rule 10.5 of the same code also specifies that additional penalties may be applied. FIFA sources reinforce that there is no appeal route for red cards during the tournament, validating the field referee’s initial decision.
The same sources added that the review by the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is considered the first instance of appealing an incident, as infractions are immediately reviewed by match officials.
Folarin Balogun, 24, is the United States’ top scorer in the tournament, with three goals scored for the team led by Mauricio Pochettino. He even opened the scoring in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Santa Clara, highlighting his importance for the team.
The red card was shown by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus in the 64th minute of the second half, after a VAR review of the play involving Muharemovic, triggering the automatic suspension.
Claus’s decision was widely criticized, including by coach Pochettino, who stated that it was “never a red card” and that the action was a “normal football move”.
Despite Pochettino’s outrage at Balogun’s expulsion, Tarik Muharemovic required prolonged medical care on the pitch. The Bosnian player was hit by Balogun’s boot studs on his ankle and Achilles tendon.
The United States team will face Belgium in Seattle next Monday, seeking a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
