Skip to content

Folarin Balogun avoids multi-game ban, expected to be available if USA advance

sportsJul 3, 202628632

FIFA confirmed Folarin Balogun will serve only the automatic one-game suspension for the red card he received in the 64th minute of the U.S.’s 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR-directed pitchside review showed him stamping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. The ban rules Balogun out of Monday’s round-of-16 match against Belgium in Seattle, but a U.S. Soccer spokesperson told The Athletic FIFA will not add further games, so Balogun will be eligible for selection if the U.S. advances to the World Cup quarterfinals. Balogun, who celebrated his 25th birthday Friday, told reporters he thought a yellow would have been fair and called the incident unintentional, saying he was “extremely surprised” by the decision. Referee Raphael Claus did not initially show a red but sent Balogun off after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor and described it as a “serious foul.” The article notes FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee can increase bans in other cases, citing that Miguel Almiron’s one-game ban was not extended while Assim Madibo received a five-match ban for a broken-leg tackle. Balogun returned to the field after the game to celebrate with teammates and shake the referees’ hands, and he emphasized staying calm and setting a positive example for young fans as he moves past the incident.

3 sources