FIFA has confirmed that U.S. Men’s National Team star Folarin Balogun will not face any further sanctions following his dismissal in a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The USMNT secured a convincing 2-0 win against Bosnia to set up a Round of 16 clash with Belgium at the World Cup, though the result was marred by a straight red card issued to Balogun. Brazilian official Rafael Claus brandished a straight red card to Balogun after reviewing his challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic on the pitchside monitor.
While slow-motion footage revealed Balogun making contact with Muharemovic’s calf and ankle with his cleats, the incident appeared accidental rather than deliberate. Balogun remained silent following his dismissal, with USMNT supporters outraged by the call.
The dismissal originally meant Balogun would be unavailable for the Round of 16 game, though FIFA had the authority to extend the ban. Earlier in the tournament, Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo was dismissed during a 6-0 loss to Canada for a challenge on Ismael Kone.
Kone suffered a broken leg, prompting FIFA to hand Madibo an additional five-match ban. Despite Madibo attempting to tackle Kone without malicious intent, the decision sparked fierce debate, particularly given Balogun’s collision with Muharemovic was unintentional, as per The Mirror US.
However, FIFA has opted not to extend Balogun’s ban on this occasion, meaning he’ll be available for selection in the next round should the USMNT advance. While it’s the confirmation that Balogun and head coach Mauricio Pochettino will have wanted to hear, the USMNT will still need to face Belgium without its leading striker.
Balogun has found the back of the net three times at the World Cup following his remarkable double against Paraguay in their tournament opener. Balogun became the first American to score twice in a World Cup fixture in 96 years.
He then opened the scoring against Bosnia before receiving his marching orders, becoming the third player to find the net and then be dismissed in a World Cup knockout fixture. Balogun was shocked when the red card was brandished; supporters were outraged online, and Pochettino criticized the ruling after the match.
To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – FIFA confirms Folarin Balogun’s World Cup
“That was a normal action in football,” Pochettino told reporters. “That happened by accident, and it’s never intentional.”
Pochettino then elaborated in an interview with USA Today Sports. “For me, it’s about the intention. If the intention is damage to the opponent, then okay, I understand, but that never was,” he added.
“It was a normal action in football. You are, you know, fighting for the ball, and your feet land, no?”.
The USMNT faced Belgium in March, with Pochettino arranging competitive friendlies as preparation ahead of a potential World Cup knockout run. The USMNT fell 5-2, but seem to have progressed considerably in recent months.
Belgium, for their part, have had a difficult World Cup campaign, yet managed to mount a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down against Senegal, claiming a 3-2 victory in extra time during the Round of 32. That gutsy win could well serve as a launching pad for the Red Devils going forward.
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