Fifa announce Balogun will be able to play Belgium clash | OneFootball

FIFA have announced that Folarin Balogun will be available to face Belgium in the USA’s World Cup last-16 tie despite being sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Instead of a one-game ban, the striker will have his suspension suspended for one year.

In a statement on their website, FIFA said: “By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one year.”

Balogun said in an interview on Friday that he did not think he should have been sent off.

“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call.

“I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There aren’t many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from.”

The former Arsenal striker explained how good it felt to progress to the last 16 of the World Cup

“There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me, it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and emotion. There are still lots of people we’re inspiring.

“Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust, so I felt I did that. I’m happy with the support, not just what I’m receiving but the team. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”