Story perspectives

FIFA Halts Balogun Ban, Enables Play vs Belgium

7/5/2026

Summary

FIFA Lifts Ban

FIFA invoked Article 27 to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic ban, allowing him to play the Round of 16 versus Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the 2-0 Bosnia win after stepping on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.
U.S. Soccer accepted the suspension and said its focus stays on the Belgium match.
President Donald Trump praised FIFA on Truth Social, calling the move a reversal of injustice.

Summary

FIFA Suspends Ban

FIFA committee invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun’s ban, a move previously used only for footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ruling came without a formal appeal because FIFA rules bar appeals of red-card sanctions, with the committee acting unilaterally.
Defender Chris Richards said the team learned the suspension was lifted via social-media while riding a bus to practice.
Article 27 allows a one-to-four-year probation, with a repeat offense reactivating the suspension and adding penalties.

History

Historical Context

FIFA's Disciplinary Code, composed by its Disciplinary and Appeal Committees and governing sanctions such as bans, was updated in 2023 to broaden protection against abuse and discrimination. The change follows earlier reforms after the 2015 indictment of 14 officials for $150 million in bribes. Under the revised code, FIFA recently lifted Folarin Balogun’s ban.

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FIFA Lifts Ban

FIFA invoked Article 27 to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic ban, allowing him to play the Round of 16 versus Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the 2-0 Bosnia win after stepping on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.
U.S. Soccer accepted the suspension and said its focus stays on the Belgium match.
President Donald Trump praised FIFA on Truth Social, calling the move a reversal of injustice.

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