Balogun Reinstated by FIFA: Thierry Henry Approves, Belgium Appeals

FIFA announced on Sunday the suspension of the red card received by American striker Folarin Balogun during the round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, won by the United States. Balogun is now cleared to play in the round of 16 against Belgium, in the night of Monday to Tuesday.

The governing body relied on Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows its Disciplinary Commission to “suspend the execution of a disciplinary sanction previously imposed”. According to the New York Times, Donald Trump allegedly contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino directly to obtain the cancellation of the red card.

The Belgian Federation (RBFA), which said it was “astounded”, immediately announced an appeal. “In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both during this World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, we are examining all potential options,” it said in a statement.

Thierry Henry, meanwhile, took the opposite view of most observers by backing the decision on merit. For the former French striker, Balogun’s foul did not warrant a red card. “I don’t think the foul deserved a red, and we all said that. He didn’t act intentionally,” he said. His only reservation concerns the timing: “You prepare the match to play a certain way and suddenly you have to change your preparation. That’s also what it creates when you do these kinds of things. Four or five days to make a decision. (…) It’s the right decision, but why so late?”

The Arsenal legend nonetheless acknowledges the concrete impact on the Belgian squad, forced to completely overhaul its preparation just hours before kickoff. Belgium now awaits the response to its appeal before facing a full-strength United States.