The United States cannot contest the red card given to Folarin Balogun during Wednesday’s round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, as confirmed by FIFA to ESPN and ABC News. As a result, the forward will be unavailable for the upcoming World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium.
Furthermore, Balogun may face an even longer suspension if FIFA’s disciplinary committee deems his tackle on Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic deserving of more than the standard one-match ban associated with World Cup red cards.
A U.S. Soccer spokesperson stated after the match that they would contest any suspension exceeding one game.
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo recently had a one-match ban extended to five games by FIFA after Canada‘s Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg due to a challenge earlier in the tournament. Currently, no decision has been made regarding a review of Balogun’s suspension length.
According to Article 66.4 of the FIFA disciplinary code, “if a player or team official is sent off due to a direct or indirect red card [resulting from a second yellow card], they will automatically be suspended for their team’s next match.”
Rule 10.5 indicates that additional penalties can be imposed, but FIFA sources have stated that there is no option to appeal a red card during the tournament.
Furthermore, sources have clarified that the VAR review is considered the first review of an incident, as offenses are immediately assessed by match officials.
At 24 years old, Balogun is the United States’ top scorer in the tournament, netting three goals, including the first in the 2-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.
The red card was issued by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus in the 64th minute after a VAR review of the incident involving Muharemovic, leading to the automatic one-match suspension.
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Claus’ decision has drawn significant criticism, with coach Mauricio Pochettino stating it was “never a red card” and that the tackle was part of a “normal action in football.”
Despite Pochettino’s frustration with the decision to send off Balogun, Muharemovic did require extensive treatment on the field following the incident, which involved contact with Balogun’s studs on his ankle and Achilles tendon.
The U.S. team is set to face Belgium in Seattle on Monday, aiming to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.