FIFA Clears Balogun For US Belgium Showdown

FIFA has cleared United States forward Folarin Balogun to feature in the country’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after overturning his suspension from the Bosnia and Herzegovina match.

Balogun scored the winning goal in the USA’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina but was later sent off, triggering an automatic one-match ban.

However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reversed the suspension ahead of Monday’s knockout fixture in Seattle. The body ruled that the disciplinary measure should be suspended, Fox Sports reported Sunday.

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The decision came even though the United States Soccer Federation had no formal avenue to appeal the red card under FIFA regulations.

Reports say the incident was controversial because the Video Assistant Referee asked Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to review the challenge on the pitch-side monitor, even though Balogun had not initially been booked.

Reacting to the ruling, the U.S. Soccer Federation welcomed the decision.

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.”

By Iroko Ayomide Aishat