There's continued fallout from the very questionable red card given to Folarin Balogun in the USMNT win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup.
Amid fans everywhere asking why Balogun got the red card in the first place for a play that didn't appear to be intentional -- as well as those pointing out Messi's similar foul that wasn't given a red card -- there were questions about whether the United States could appeal the suspension.
FIFA and USA Soccer clarified that while there is an appeal process about overturning red cards, it doesn't apply here. From CBS Sports:
According to a FIFA spokesperson and USA Soccer, that process is only possible if the ban is extended to more than one game, as a red card suspension cannot be eliminated altogether at this stage. Any decision to extend the ban would need to come from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
The Athletic has more:
When asked by The Athletic whether a red card can be appealed a FIFA official pointed to its regulations and Article 66.4 which states:“A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures.”
Why was Folarin Balogun given a red card for the serious foul?
The officials might have deemed it a tackle that "endangered the safety of an opponent."
How long is Folarin Balogun suspended for?
It's an automatic one-game suspension.
Could Folarin Balogun have his one-game suspension lengthened?
It's possible but seems unlikely. From USA TODAY Sports:
FIFA's disciplinary committee reviews every red card from a match and formally classifies the offense, typically within 24 hours. The classification determines suspension length. A tactical foul or second yellow card usually draws a one-match ban. Serious foul play can mean two or three matches. Violent conduct starts at three.
Source: USA Today
