Read for 5 minutes6 Jul 2026 02:08 PM IST
In only the second instance of a red card being overturned in World Cup history, FIFA has allowed USA striker Folarin Balogun to play in Tuesday’s round of 16 against Belgium. The decision, made under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, comes after Balogun was sent off in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
According to several reports, the attack came after several calls from the US President Donald Trump To FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Former England striker Wayne Rooney has criticized the decision from around the football world, calling it a “total disgrace”.
“I think it’s a huge shame, I really do. I know it’s UEFA, but before Euro 2012 I was banned for three games. I had to miss three group matches and I was told that if I went to Switzerland and did a training session with the boys, I would be suspended for the third game. I agreed to do it, but I felt that the ban was not wanted. Be suspended, they will either take away the red card, which is probably the right decision. And then to ban him for a year should be a shame, Rooney said BBC Sport.
Balogun, the USA’s leading scorer at this World Cup with three goals, was shown a red card by referee Rafael Clause in the 64th minute of a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina – the country’s first knockout victory since the 2002 World Cup. The striker was sent off after stepping on the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. On Sunday, FIFA overturned the decision, citing Article 27. The governing body said the suspension would be postponed for a one-year probationary period, meaning Balogan is available for the Belgium vs Seattle clash.
Also read | Trump called Infantino three times before FIFA overturned the US star’s red card
Rooney also questioned the broader implications of the decision. “The sportsmanship of this game is questionable. If I was against the USA, I would be absolutely furious. It’s wrong in every way. If you were an England player tonight or a Mexican player and you got a red card, do you expect to play the next game? Where does it stop?” he added.
Former England international Gary Neville was equally critical, calling for a proper review process. “It absolutely stinks, let’s be really clear. But what I would say, the thing that stinks is there should be a review process because I don’t think it’s a red card. I think there should be a process that allows it to be annulled, but if there’s no annulment process and then FIFA has decided – there are basic rules to play – let it play. Everyone if I’m in Belgium and every other team who thinks it’s a bit difficult,” said Neville. ITV.
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The decision marks only the second time in World Cup history that a red card has been rescinded, out of 189 red cards issued at the tournament. The first was Brazil’s Garrincha in 1962, who was sent off in the semi-final against Chile but allowed to play in the final win over Czechoslovakia.
Former France international Thierry Henry also questioned the timing of the decision. “There are three or four days to decide. We have to go back to the point. I don’t think it was a red card and we all said that. We know it wasn’t and he didn’t do it deliberately. But I mean if you’re preparing for the game in Belgium, it changes everything. I’m not going to say it’s never happened before because I’ve heard it happen in the history of the World Cup. The day is right but why not so late?” Henry said. Fox Sports.
FIFA’s full statement read: “In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the enforcement of match suspensions is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another infraction of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be lifted and additional action shall be imposed without any additional action. New offense.”