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FIFA clears Folarin Balogun for USA's World Cup match against Belgium
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
FIFA has cleared United States forward Folarin Balogun to play in the country's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card and an automatic one-match suspension in the USA's Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he scored the winning goal. However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee reversed the suspension ahead of Monday's knockout fixture in Seattle, determining that the disciplinary measure's implementation should be suspended. This decision was made despite the United States Soccer Federation having no formal appeal avenue under FIFA regulations. The incident was contentious because the Video Assistant Referee intervened, prompting Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to review the challenge, even though Balogun was not initially cautioned. The U.S. Soccer Federation welcomed the decision, stating their focus is on the match against Belgium. Balogun is the United States' leading scorer in the tournament with three goals. FIFA's decision aligns with Chapter 4, Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows a judicial body to suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure. Balogun's availability is expected to boost the United States as they aim for a quarter-final spot.
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