MBABANE – A dramatic FIFA decision to overturn United States striker Folarin Balogun’s red card has ignited controversy, fuelling debate over political influence in football.
United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump, who had largely remained out of the spotlight during the FIFA World Cup, drew attention on Sunday after thanking International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) for reversing Balogun’s suspension ahead of today’s Last-16 clash against Belgium.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Balogun was sent off after scoring in the USA’s 2-0 Last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina following a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Referee Raphael Claus initially allowed play to continue before issuing a straight red card after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. The decision was widely criticised as harsh, with slow-motion replays showing Balogun’s foot landing on Muharemovic’s upper ankle.
According to The Guardian official website, FIFA’s disciplinary code does not normally permit appeals against straight red cards, with both FIFA officials and US Soccer reportedly confirming after the match that the sanction could not be challenged.
However, FIFA later announced that, under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, the sending-off would be rescinded.
While the red card will remain on Balogun’s record for a one-year probationary period, he will only serve a suspension if he commits ‘another infringement of a similar nature and gravity’ within that time.
Article 27 empowers FIFA’s judicial committee to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure, effectively allowing it to override disciplinary sanctions.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (Pic:FIFA Media)