FIFA has reversed the red card suspension for U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the Round of 16. The decision, announced on Sunday, was justified by FIFA through the application of Article 27 of its regulations, titled 'Suspension of Implementation of Disciplinary Measures.'
This article permits FIFA's judicial body to "fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure," subjecting the sanctioned individual to a probationary period ranging from one to four years. In Balogun's case, the automatic suspension has been deferred for a one-year probationary period. If the player commits a similar offense during this time, the initial sanction can be revoked and enforced, in addition to any new penalties.
FIFA has previously invoked this rule, notably in November 2025, when it allowed Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the first two World Cup group stage matches. Ronaldo had received a three-match ban for a red card offense during a qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland. FIFA suspended the implementation of the second and third game of that ban for one year, enabling his participation in matches against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uzbekistan.
The overturning of Balogun's suspension has divided opinion within the sports community. Some view it as preferential treatment or corruption favoring the United States, while others contend it is a justified move given the controversial nature of the initial red card. Following FIFA's announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his approval, stating on Truth Social, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
The controversy stems from Balogun's red card, which led to calls for an appeal process. Although the U.S. Soccer federation did not have a direct mechanism to appeal the suspension, FIFA's intervention through Article 27 ultimately cleared the striker to compete against Belgium.
