FIFA explains why Balogun can face Belgium despite red card | OneFootball

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee said in a statement that it has suspended the execution of Balogun’s one-match ban for one year, leaving him available to face Belgium in the 2026 World Cup last 16, and imposed a fine of USD 40,000.

The United States forward was sent off after a VAR review for serious foul play. After the final whistle he returned to the pitch to celebrate qualification despite the dismissal.

The following day a disciplinary case was opened for possible breaches of article 66, covering dismissals, and article 14, relating to player conduct during celebrations.

Controversy grew in the build-up when, after a phone call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino, the sporting ban was suspended in an unusual move. The committee applied article 27 of the Disciplinary Code, which allows disciplinary measures to be suspended except in match-fixing cases when deemed appropriate.

Half of the USD 40,000 fine corresponds to article 14 and the other half to article 66. The United States football federation is jointly liable for payment under article 6.5.

Balogun is eligible to face Belgium and does not have to serve the suspension now. Any similar new infringement would trigger the one-match ban in addition to any fresh sanction. The Disciplinary Committee is independent, as provided in FIFA’s Statutes and Disciplinary Code.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo