Why FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun red card ban is “unprecedented”
SEATTLE, United States, July 6– FIFA’s decision to suspend enforcement of a one-match ban imposed…
SEATTLE, United States, July 6– FIFA’s decision to suspend enforcement of a one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun has sparked widespread debate, with statistics and disciplinary precedents suggesting the ruling is without parallel in modern FIFA World Cup history.
The decision, announced on July 5, means Balogun remains eligible for Monday’s round-of-16 clash against Belgium despite being sent off in the previous knockout round. The United States forward is currently the team’s top scorer with three goals.
According to sports data platform Opta, no player has ever played the next match after receiving a red card at a FIFA World Cup since yellow and red cards were introduced in 1970, meaning the ruling could make Balogun the first player in World Cup history to feature in the next match after being shown a red card.
Balogun was sent off for stamping on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the United States’ 2-0 win in the round of 32 on July 1.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that the player had violated Articles 14 and 66 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and imposed a one-match suspension.
