The U.S. Men’s National Team will have Folarin Balogun’s services for Monday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 tie vs. Belgium.
Balogun’s one-match ban was revoked by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee on Sunday, the federation announced. After originally being issued a ban following his red card offense in the USMNT’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun will now be available for selection after all.
His suspension has been placed in a suspended status for one year, but should Balogun commit a similar infraction during that period, he will then need to serve a ban for his actions.
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” a FIFA statement read Sunday.
Balogun was ejected in the 64th minute of last Wednesday’s 2-0 win after VAR ruled in favor of a red card for his foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. Despite referee Raphael Claus not originally issuing Balogun a card, VAR forced Claus to review the play and discipline the forward for his actions.
Fortunately for the USMNT, Malik Tillman’s free-kick finish iced the result and propelled Mauricio Pochettino’s men into the next round.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” a U.S. Soccer statement read Sunday following FIFA’s decision. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
Balogun has been influential this summer, scoring three goals and helping force one own goal in three appearances. He was not used in the USMNT’s 3-2 group stage finale loss to Turkey.
The USMNT are seeking their first win over Belgium since the 1930 FIFA World Cup and a spot into the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
Source: Sbisoccer.com
