The United States Men’s National Team can keep celebrating even after wrapping up Independence Day.
The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon and Adam Crafton reported Sunday that American forward Folarin Balogun will be available to play in a Round-of-16 FIFA World Cup match against Belgium on Monday at Lumen Field in Seattle (Fox/Telemundo, 8 p.m. ET). He had been suspended for one game after receiving a red card in the 64th minute during the Round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He accidentally stepped on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic, and VAR (video assistant review) determined the play merited such punishment.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” U.S. Soccer said, per Yardbarker’s Alyssa Clang. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
Why FIFA changed its mind
Per FIFA rules, the USMNT couldn’t appeal the call. That said, the governing body can lift a suspension if it feels it’s necessary.
“Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code states that ‘the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure,'” wrote Crafton and Sheldon.
Citing the rulebook, Crafton and Sheldon added: “If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”