FIFA has overturned the red card suspension of U.S. men's national team striker Folarin Balogun, enabling him to play against Belgium following a controversial VAR review. The decision was made possible by an obscure FIFA rule, Article 27, often referred to as the "Suspension of Implementation of Disciplinary Measures."
Balogun received a red card during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review determined contact between him and an opposing player was a red-card offense. The decision drew criticism from players, coaches, and analysts, who deemed the call harsh and questionable. U.S. player Weston McKennie described the decision as "questionable" and noted inconsistencies with similar plays in the tournament.
Invoking Article 27
Despite the absence of a formal appeal process for the U.S. Soccer Federation, FIFA utilized Article 27 to review and effectively delay the automatic suspension. According to the rule, "The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure." This allows for a probationary period, during which the player's suspension can be deferred for up to four years. In Balogun's case, the suspension was suspended for a probationary period of one year.
Should Balogun incur another red card during this period, the suspended sanction would be enforced, in addition to any new penalties.
Sources suggest that FIFA's decision to invoke Article 27 may have been influenced by the process used in the VAR review itself. Reports indicate that former U.S. officials and lawyers, including those associated with the White House, challenged the use of slow-motion replays for the initial red card recommendation. Andy Davies, a former Premier League referee, had stated that using slow-motion and still replays for such recommendations contradicts VAR protocols.
FIFA has previously used Article 27 in similar situations. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo had his red card suspension deferred for up to a year after a World Cup qualifier match in 2025, allowing him to play in subsequent games before serving the remainder of his ban after the tournament.