US Wins Against Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Now, all eyes are on Folarin Balogun and his status for the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium. During the previous game, Balogun received a controversial red card, leading to an automatic one-game suspension. It’s worth noting that, as mentioned, the US cannot appeal red cards.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean he will miss Monday night’s game.

According to several sources, it was first reported that FIFA has invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows for the suspension of disciplinary measures while further actions are considered regarding the players involved.

Article 27 states, “the judicial body may decide to suspend all or part of the disciplinary action.”

Additionally, it explains that if the suspended individual commits another similar violation during the probation period, the suspension could be revoked, and the original sanction enforced, along with any additional penalties for the new infraction.

This isn’t the first time FIFA has used Article 27 during this World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo faced a similar situation where he was scheduled for a three-game suspension after being sent off for elbowing an opponent in a qualifying match. Initially shown a yellow card, it was later upgraded to a red after video review.

Although his initial one-game suspension grew to three at the start of the tournament, the disciplinary committee suspended Ronaldo for only two games with a one-year suspension hanging in the balance. This means he will avoid further match absences unless he commits another similar violation.

This brings us back to Balogun’s current predicament.

As the leading scorer for the USMNT entering the Round of 16, Balogun has notched two goals in the team’s first game against Paraguay and added another against Bosnia and Herzegovina.