Folarin Balogun available for USMNT vs. Belgium as red card ban suspended

[u/goldenface4114]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7423410/2026/07/05/usmnt-folarin-balogun-red-card-available/

Justice for Balogun!!

[u/melodypowers]

Can someone help me out. I really want to understand the timing and the ruling but I'm not that familiar with the system. Here is what I understand '

1. During the play of the game, Balogun stepped on Tarik Muharemovic's ankle.

2. The ref (Claus) did not make any call on the field.

3. The VAR flagged the play and told Claus to review.

4. Upon the review, Claus issued a red card. The red card prompts an automatic one game suspension. Under FIFA rules, the team has no ability to appeal.

5. FIFA determines that the 1 game suspension is adequate. While it is not overturned, nothing more is added.

6. This is where I am confused The USSF engaged FIFA's Disciplinary Committee. The committee determined that the VAR shouldn't have flagged the play because Claus hadnt made any call on the field. Do I have that right?

7. The disciplinary committee then ordered that the match suspension be suspended.

So here are my questions:

Was it appropriate for the VAR to flag the play? Is this something that typically happens in these cases?

What is the process for the USSF to engage the disciplinary committee? Is this something that other teams have done?

Did the disciplinary committee make the right call?

Also, if I'm wrong on anything here, please correct. I am asking in good faith.

[u/kzanomics → u/melodypowers]

I’m dumb and can’t answer your questions but I can tell you what I’ve seen others say. Apparently still frames and slow no shouldn’t be used in the VAR review and it was. If it was used properly than the red card wouldn’t have been issued so the suspension shouldn’t hold. Again I’m dumb so yell at others for what I’m parroting.

[u/yowszer → u/melodypowers]

One thing that has been glossed over is that VAR review is apparently not supposed to show slow motion shots, but they did in this case, breaking their own protocol. So the review process was flawed, and thus regardless of if it was a red or not it should overturn

[u/luchajefe → u/yowszer]

At that point yes, the card is, to use legal parlance, 'fruit of the poisonous tree'.

[u/OscarDelta333]

This won't be controversial at all.

[u/Still-Preference5464]

Non paywall article on this - via the athletic

Folarin Balogun will be available to play the USMNT’s round of 16 match against Belgium with his one-game red-card ban suspended.

The 25-year-old received a straight red card on against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic, a sanction which is automatically accompanied by a one-game suspension under Article 10.5 of FIFA’s rules for the tournament.

Multiple FIFA officials told The Athleticafter the game that a team is not able to appeal against a red card or the subsequent suspension.
However, Balogun is set to be available to face Rudi Garcia’s side as his suspension has been suspended.

Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code states that “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”

It adds: “If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

Cristiano Ronaldo avoided a suspensionfor the start of the World Cup in similar circumstances after FIFA handed the Portugal captain a three-match ban, but with the final two games suspended for “a one-year probation period”.

FIFA and U.S. Soccer have been approached for comment.

Balogun has started in all but one game for the co-hosts, scoring twice in their opener against Paraguay. The forward was subsequently rested against Turkey in the final group-stage game before returning to score against Bosnia in the first-half.
He has registered at least one goal contribution in every World Cup game he has played in so far.
Balogun was not immediately sent off after the red-card incident. The forward had reached out to position himself as he pursued a ball up the left sideline after an hour of play, landing on the back of Muharemovic’s leg and raking down to his ankle.
The on-pitch referee Raphael Claus was instructed to go to the pitchside monitor to review the incident, before telling Levi’s Stadium Balogun had committed a “serious foul” and would be sent off. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7423410/2026/07/05/usmnt-folarin-balogun-red-card-available/

[u/chutiyabahnchot → u/Still-Preference5464]

Yeah the precedent was already there with Ronaldo lol

[u/ebrown38]

FIFA corruption benefitting the US?? We are officially a proper footballing country

[u/Amockdfw89 → u/ebrown38]

FIFA officially changes the name of the sport to Soccer and move their headquarters from Zurich to NYC

[u/27bluestar → u/Amockdfw89]

Then the U.S. are allowed one hand of God play per match

[u/cryptoheh → u/ebrown38]

SEC meets Soccer…

[u/LiquorIBarelyKnowHer → u/cryptoheh]

Can’t spell soccer without SEC

[u/Mixeygoat]

I think Messi made the call to FIFA himself. He was tired of his replay being shown as a comparison

[u/doctortre → u/Mixeygoat]

Call? He would have told Infantino when they woke up

[u/SoDakZak → u/doctortre]

I am like 1% caught up on Ronaldo/Messi/FIFA corruption lore but yall got some bangers

[u/cardmanimgur]

I take back everything I said about FIFA being corrupt. Clearly this is an excellent run organization and there is nothing to see here.

[u/SerBrienneOfSnark → u/cardmanimgur]

💀💀💀

[u/jotama0121]

Wow I guess the FIFA peace price does carry some weight with it after all

[u/chasetherightenergy]

https://reddit.com/link/ovq3exz/video/meq7tjh39gbh1/player

What a suprise

[u/Villainousness → u/chasetherightenergy]

Calling in a favor from his Epstein island friends

[u/Past-Permit201]

Is it too late to get the hand of god overturned?

[u/cryptoheh]

SEC! SEC! SEC!

[u/Sensitive-Special-14]

I think the original call was complete BS, but I also believe some back room shenanigans went on the get FIFA to reverse the call.

Don't love the sequence of how this all went down, but I'm also glad that the initial BS was called out and overturned.

[u/DapperAgitator → u/Sensitive-Special-14]

Yeah unfortunately this is just the system, it appears. There should probably be a formal review after every WC red card rather than this ad hoc decision, but happy it all took us to the fairest place.

[u/fastmoneyboy]

Let’s not forget they also lifted Ronaldo’s suspension for his red card

[u/Ok_Wealth_3433 → u/fastmoneyboy]

Huge Ronaldo fan, but I’ll agree he shouldn’t have been available for the opener

[u/cardmanimgur]

Probably in response to France match yesterday, like "Well if that jackass from Paraguay is allowed to play, we should probably let Balogun play too."

[u/Mettl3Will → u/cardmanimgur]

The fact that no one from paraguay even got yellow is insane. I'm thinking after that, seems crazy to keep Balogun suspended for clear miscall. It's still highly irregular though.

[u/GripAficionado → u/cardmanimgur]

Yeah, that was a bit of a mess and that Paraguay didn't get a single yellow card and then he got a red for that... Not the same standard...

[u/Huge-Boat-7457]

This is very messy regardless of if you thought the call is good or bad.

Like if you do this then how can you keep Olise yellow card and so on?

This whole trump mess is such a disaster but fifa was always full of shit.

[u/Shaibigs]

This is the FIFA version of "I'd like to speak with the manager".

[u/runwiththedevil]

Corrupt FIFA helping a corrupt country.

[u/SloppyPizzaPie → u/[deleted]]

I’m curious if there is any recourse for VAR or will this just be a “whoopsie, I’m sorry lol”

I ask somewhat out of spite, but also acknowledge the fact that this type of mess up can/does/did have a measurable impact on the game.

[u/SothaSillies → u/SloppyPizzaPie]

I think this event will make refs stick to VAR conduct rules more closely now. If they know their calls can be overturned due to breaking those rules, they'll be less likely to do it.

[u/Acrobatic_Elk503 → u/[deleted]]

And that was basically Donovan’s (?) argument that this looked terrible when you slowed it down and looked at only the worst moment. When you look at the whole play, it’s clear that it was not red card worth.

[u/Mokslininkas → u/Acrobatic_Elk503]

Landon has been on point with his analysis this entire world cup. I really appreciate the perspective he brings to the table. Very measured and reasonable.

[u/catsrave2 → u/Mokslininkas]

He’s not the most colorful or entertaining of the commentary crew, but his analysis has been solid and very informative.

My partner called him “boring” which I can understand especially as a casual watcher like her, but I’ve enjoyed whenever he drills down on the more complex aspects of the game. Just needs to be a little more personable and not leave Ian hanging so often lol

[u/jambox888 → u/[deleted]]

That is not what FIFA said in their statement at all.

[u/imbored48375 → u/[deleted]]

This is interesting. I hope FIFA release a statement to this effect

[u/Infranto → u/imbored48375]

They will absolutely never admit wrongdoing

[u/FlowAny8460 → u/[deleted]]

Hopefully everyone sees this lol. The original Fox Article sadly makes it seems like FIFA lifted the ban for “no reason”

[u/BarryMcKockinner → u/FlowAny8460]

Honestly, I'm still pretty shocked. This line of reasoning that "the still image was shown before the real time replay" can't really be proven. It certainly leaves room for corrupt decisions to be made but I'm of the belief that the foul should have been a yellow card anyways given the incidental nature and the way the game was being reffed prior to that foul.

[u/gnnr25 → u/BarryMcKockinner]

We saw it in real time that they showed the picture before the video. At least on the broadcast I was watching.

[u/Womjack → u/FlowAny8460]

No articles I’ve read give any reason. I’m curious where the poster for this found the info

[u/Bat2121 → u/[deleted]]

Where are you seeing this? It's not in this article.

[u/jambox888 → u/Bat2121]

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jul/03/reasons-us-world-cup-star-folarin-baloguns-red-car/#:~:text=The%20video%20assistant%20referee%20then,it%20was%20in%20real%20time.

OP is incorrect to say that's the reason FIFA gave, it wasn't. However it has been raised as improper.

[u/Dreamin- → u/[deleted]]

Source: trust me bro

[u/klitchell]

“Cristiano Ronaldo avoided a suspension for the start of the World Cup in similar circumstances after FIFA handed the Portugal captain a three-match ban, but with the final two games suspended for “a one-year probation period”.”

Pasting this from the article, looks like it’s been done in this tournament to make sure Ronaldo could play. Corruption, yeah I guess, but evenly spread corruption, maybe 🤔

[u/Economy_Link4609]

Holy shitballs. Did not expect any chance at that.

[u/Nobius]

Relevant part of the NYT article:

However, sources with knowledge of the matter, who spoke anonymously to protect relationships, say Balogun is set to be available to face Rudi Garcia’s side as his ban has been suspended.
Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code states that “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”

It adds: “If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

[u/DoogTheDestroyer]

Can we link to websites that aren’t behind paywalls…

[u/Aimer101]

we can do the same for olise yellow card then.

[u/curtisas]

I was told on here this wasn't even possible.

Edit: were you all this upset about Ronaldo not being suspended for the first two games of the world cup too? He's the reason for this ruling. https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cristiano-ronaldo-precedent-fifa-changing-165937388.html?guccounter=1

[u/Fire-EyedBoy → u/curtisas]

Based on the article, it looks like CR7’s reduced suspension has set a precedent, and the ref broke VAR protocol when he awarded the red card.

[u/plantacus → u/Fire-EyedBoy]

Yhh the rulebook says "we do what we want lmaoo" It's disgusting.

[u/Fire-EyedBoy → u/plantacus]

I get it in most senses, but if a player earns a punishment that was unjustified, then FIFA should have the authority to reverse it. I’m not saying that’s the case with Balogun’s red, but that could be the explanation.

[u/Starmoses → u/Fire-EyedBoy]

It's at best arguably a red. If he had done similar actions all game, yeah definitely no argument he deserved a red. That was his first offense and clearly unintentional. Anyone could see that.

[u/imdown4any → u/curtisas]

Same, but we in 2026. As KG said, “ANYTHINGS POSSIBLE”

[u/PrecedentialAssassin]

This will be a fun thread

[u/Roidthrowaway1234 → u/PrecedentialAssassin]

Im certain that the takes will be reasonable and balanced

[u/Vazteria89]

If this is possible, imagine what will happen during the game...

[u/No_Many1994]

USA would’ve beaten Belarus anyway, but nice to get him back in the rotation for prep for the quarterfinals.

[u/Kind_Preference_6435]

Just to clarify this suspension, if Balogun commits another foul in the next 12 months, does he lose the FIFA Peace Prize?

[u/unknown_soldier_]

Today's reminder that this is the same FIFA that let Qatar buy a World Cup and also had a WC in Russia after they invaded and annexed Crimea

[u/N4llic]

This will forever reek of corruption. The rumors that Trump intervened as well and called Infantino to lift the ban just add fuel to the flames. This whole world cup seems to be drenched in suspicions. The dubious ref calls, the fixing of the rosters, the France - Paraguay referee, the forced hydration breaks when certain stadiums have closed roofs with airco while others (Seattle, have very agreable temperatures, ... It sure does seem like FIFA has an agenda.

[u/washheightsboy3]

Because of this, people will suspect FIFA is corrupt. /s

[u/SLN_05]

People are gonna hate on it cause it’s America, but VAR slow motion or still images are only allowed to be used for objective facts like offsides. For something like intent or intensity, full speed is the only thing that can be used. Since slow motion was used in the issuing of Balogun’s red card, it was invalid, they made the right choice in letting him play, whether you like it or not

[u/Illustrious_Sir4041 → u/SLN_05]

Didnt know that part of the VAR rules.

That makes more sense than any explanation ive seen so far. The card was very harsh but defensible, surprised they would take back the suspension.

This basically never happens, even for much more obvious wrong decisions...

[u/jdprager → u/Illustrious_Sir4041]

Yup. The call alone was iffy and bad, but iffy and bad cards happen all the time. That's not really grounds to overturn

A complete misuse of protocol absolutely is, and FIFA really should make it clear that's why this suspension has been revoked

[u/thelemon8er-2 → u/SLN_05]

Get out of here with logic.

[u/Mcnuttey91]

Europeans sitting in no AC seething rn lmao

[u/ExternalTangents → u/Mcnuttey91]

Stewing while sipping their room temperature iceless drinks

[u/a_passionate_man]

Two corruption leaders finding a mutual agreement…who could have guessed that…? 🤪

[u/Misterarthuragain]

FIFA has been corrupt forever. This is just more proof.

[u/GrinningPariah]

Red card was bullshit, but mostly because it was part of a larger pattern inconsistency in officiating, which this reversal is certainly not helping.

I'm in the US corner now that Canada is out, and don't get me wrong I'm glad to have Balogun back. But also, FIFA, get your shit together.

[u/winesponioni]

If Balogun scores the winning goal tomorrow this sub will be in absolute shambles.

[u/TallCan_Specialist → u/winesponioni]

If America beats any Belgium or any top European team this sub will be in shambles

[u/bungussack]

The referees did not follow FIFA protocol on field, people need to understand that before crying corruption. The foul never should’ve been flagged since nothing was given on field. Typical FIFA shit show.

[u/Corpsebomb → u/bungussack]

There was no way this whole thing was going to have a happy ending.

They keep the red card, we see FIFA for the bullshit organization they are.

They rescind it, we see FIFA for the bullshit organization that they are.

[u/mightyducks2wasokay → u/Corpsebomb]

As long as we are all in agreement that FIFA is a bullshit organization, I think we can all be happy

[u/Ok_Chipmunk_6059]

I applaud FIFA for managing everything wrong across this entire episode from not issuing a yellow card onward.

[u/TGR3326]

Don’t be mad at USMNT.

Be mad at FIFA. The red wasn’t even revoked. Just lifted the suspension. I don’t think it was a red card, but the review/appeal process needs to be fixed. Just no rhyme or reason.

[u/Fire-EyedBoy]

Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code states that “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”

It appears that the VAR protocol was breached when Bologun’s red card was given. CR7’s reduced red card suspension also appears to have set a precedent, too.

[u/shaggadelick]

Lmao this WC keeps on giving with the drama

[u/Emconn14]

BREAKING: FIFA memo has gone out declaring that it’s officially called soccer now 

[u/matg75]

And whoever wins against Team USA gets 100% tariffs.

[u/ChasingMD]

I’m very conflicted. I have bitched about the implementation and usage of the new stuff for VAR for weeks. Now, FIFA quasi admits guilt but only after pressure from a host country government.

I’m happy they seemed to have rectified the red card, but it screams corruption. This whole situation is stupid

[u/tinylittlebuddy → u/ChasingMD]

It doesn’t reflect well on anyone involved

[u/88keys0friends]

Haha the thread about Trump personally calling FIFA just disappeared

[u/MagnesiumOvercast]

Two of the most corrupt institutions on the planet are FIFA and the Trump administration. They're calling it the most rigged tournament of all time. It's going to take some legendary bullshit to knock out France & Spain but I think they'll try.

[u/Zubba776]

Oh man, the sub is about to get really interesting.

[u/Booshme]

Hahahahahahahaha

[u/Charupa-]

We will hold off on calling up Fauxlarin Bagolun for now.

[u/yoshimipinkrobot]

FIFA reads Reddit

[u/darealjimshady1 → u/yoshimipinkrobot]

Actually more of a shock to hear FIFA can read

[u/manoman42]

https://x.com/firstsquawk/status/2073872601928307197?s=46&t=M79piNuuDy83JHgGtlDoMg

TRUMP CALLED FIFA PRESIDENT INFANTINO TO REQUEST REVIEW OF BALOGUN RED CARD - SOURCE

[u/That-Breakfast-4805]

Little salty as a Belgian that this is coming in this late, we've likely been working on a gameplan without Balogun and this leaves very little time to pivot. And slightly worried this might indicate some favouritism that hopefully won't be evident during the match.

That said this way there won't be any bickering about unfair disadvantages for the US, and I've never much liked suspensions for red cards that are clearly accidental. And the US has probably also been training for a lack of Balogun so who knows it could even out that way.

At least now we'll see the game as it should've always been played (hopefully).

[u/brown-saiyan]

It's shady but if Messi ain't getting reds then I'm not gonna complain too much

Go Go USA!

[u/Sufficient_Habit5091 → u/brown-saiyan]

This honestly. Its borderline but given it came from VAR and ref completely missed it and hard to argue it was intentional... Good call.

[u/GentGorilla]

You know how in hollywood sports movies the bad guys always try to cheat?

[u/Spirited_Tip_2127]

Infantino has a major problem now. By his decision to suspend he has the following to deal with.

Undue third-party / political interference under FIFA Statutes Articles 14(1)(i), 15(c), and 19(1), combined with a breach of judicial independence under the FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 32.

Good luck getting a new term, good luck finishing the current term.

[u/jojoalkar → u/Spirited_Tip_2127]

He bribes to get enough votes. Blatant corruption hasn't stopped Blatter. Nor will it stop Infantino

[u/W359WasAnInsideJob]

For everyone complaining, how is this different than Ronaldo having his suspension revised to a probationary period so he could play in the WC?

[u/halster123 → u/W359WasAnInsideJob]

i think that was also super fucked up and favoritism.

[u/nboz10 → u/W359WasAnInsideJob]

“How is this different from the other corruption from FIFA?”

[u/SothaSillies]

RAAAAAAA BAD CALL OVERTURNED. I wish FIFA had a method for teams to appeal these cards and not leave it up to a behind-closed-doors decision, but this is a good decision on their part. That was absolutely not a red card worthy foul.

[u/General-Eman → u/SothaSillies]

Agreed the red card should be overturned but the issue is the process is behind closed doors so people don’t trust that it was done correctly

[u/JacboUphill]

Since seems lots of people aren't actually reading the article or the linked rule, the rule being applied to reverse this is:

"27. SUSPENSION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DISCIPLINARY MEASURES 1. The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."

From: https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/6094262690de769/original/FIFA-Disciplinary-Code-2025.pdf

It gives them carte blanche and doesn't appear to require justification. Could still be corruption, could still set a bad precedent, or a good one depending on your perspective, but it's not a bending of the rules it's in the rules.

[u/WhalePsychiatrist45]

Just here for the comments. Time to sort by controversial.

[u/Ry--9]

For me, this is far beyond national pride and wanting to see your team win. US team won me over by the way they played after Balogun went off.

Not even angry at the US team or even Balogun.

Just an example of two corrupt adminstrations (Trump and FIFA) that have set a very bad predcent for the future of the tournament.

We know FIFA has been corrupt, but this is next level stuff.

What happens when another country with a fair bit of political leverage helps overturn a decision. Even one that had VAR intervention.

Not sure a smaller country would have been given the same leniency.

Sad day for the game.

[u/aspiring_npc]

Ronaldo also got a red card ban suspended back in November during WC prelim play. He was actually suspended for 3 games, but only served 1 game suspension, Portugal's final prelim. This allowed Ronaldo to play in the WC Group stage games.

So while Balogun's situation isn't unprecedented in international play, FIFA definitely makes decisions based on their own selfish interests, rather than on principled ones.

[u/edward030321]

people saying this was donald’s doing forget that he would never watch soccer

[u/Amockdfw89 → u/edward030321]

I’m actually surprised he isn’t inserting himself more into this tournament

[u/Wvlf_ → u/Amockdfw89]

He is confirmed to be the one presenting the World Cup trophy to the winner. That’s about as inserted as possible.

[u/BoredomHeights → u/edward030321]

He already won FIFA Peace Bringer or whatever award so now he’s moved on and won’t look back. 

[u/Fire-EyedBoy → u/edward030321]

He just released a statement lmao

[u/GhostWrex]

Holy shit! This is huge

[u/Individual-Vast6304]

FIFA has come a long way from hiding its corruption to openly displaying it 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[u/boddidle]

I chuckled at all the definitive "a red has never been reversed" comments last week. I don't like the precedent, but I also don't think the card was legitimate to begin with. 

[u/videogamevirgin_ → u/boddidle]

I genuinely feel like it’s an excellent precedent to review red cards after a match. It’s the harshest penalty in sports, it should absolutely be confirmed by more than 1 person

[u/Big_Liability → u/videogamevirgin_]

Every other sport in the world reviews suspension worthy plays post game. Idk why football fans are so against this.

[u/monoDK13 → u/Big_Liability]

Because then they would have to deal with the problem created by vibes based officiating at all levels of this sport. Easier to hide in tradition and corruption.

[u/todayiwillthrowitawa → u/Big_Liability]

I'm new to watching football these past four years or so but the red card stuff is among the most jarring as a new fan. Not only a game-long power play (which is match deciding in most cases) but an additional suspension seems insane (to me) for anything but headhunting and completely reprehensible play. Especially if the standard ref can issue it without any league review or signing off.

[u/glidejanger → u/boddidle]

The refs clearly and by rule violated VAR protocol here by what they were shown in the booth, so it’s more than just a reverse of a judgement call.

[u/WkndWarrior12345054 → u/boddidle]

Technically it is not reversed just suspended

[u/OUTFOXEM]

Everybody crying about “FIFA corruption” must have been in a coma for 30 years.

[u/m0viestar → u/OUTFOXEM]

My favorite is when this sub says FIFA never used to be in bed with corporations, as if the 1982 Coca-Cola world cup didn't exist. 

[u/DukeOfStuff_]

Why didn’t they announce this on July 4th smh 

[u/KontraEpsilon → u/DukeOfStuff_]

Banks were closed for the holiday

[u/lenolalatte → u/KontraEpsilon]

lmao

[u/HotCheetoBoy]

Hey I’m new to futbol! Is FIFA know for being corrupt?

[u/TheSSBiniks → u/HotCheetoBoy]

Yes. Like worse than the IOC.

[u/TheGardiner]

Ridiculous. What a clown show.

[u/askme_if_im_a_chair]

Maybe we can thank Paraguay for all the uncalled obviously intentional dirty behavior yesterday.

[u/Emconn14]

Corruption working in our favor? The US may actually be a real football country now 

[u/Respect_Halo]

People complaining don’t know the rules. The VAR was used improperly to issue the red card. The ref went directly against the protocols of the VAR. It was very clearly not a red card.

[u/buttnibbler]

I was told this would never happen, only a 00.01% chance because he’s not Messi level.

[u/fufuberry21]

Breaking: Fifa doing something that benefited the US is the first case of corruption in Fifa history.

[u/Cdog923]

WE'RE A REAL FOOTBALL NATION NOW!

[u/Anakins_Dad]

Just a reminder for all saying this was done to favor the US - FIFA just did this recently for Ronaldo late last year

[u/SamsungStealer]

Can't wait for all the people who were defending the red card to go through hoops to make this make sense.

[u/DymonBak → u/SamsungStealer]

Not only defending it, but treating anyone with an opposite opinion like an idiot because the call was SO obvious. You know, despite the rules analyst on the live broadcast also disagreeing with the red card.

[u/ketamine_bolus → u/DymonBak]

none of those people responded to me with why VAR wasn't used to give a red card on any of these

[u/Jomosensual → u/SamsungStealer]

Let's be real, the majority of the people who defended the red card were ones who just want the USA to get eliminated

[u/WonderfulTruck5894]

I don’t understand the people who said it was a red card, it’s one of the worst calls I’ve seen in recent years so it’s justified what they’re doing here.

[u/DependentBudget7977 → u/WonderfulTruck5894]

If it's justified to alter decisions after the game, than fifa should step in and hand 3 red cards to Paraguay 

[u/Fire-EyedBoy]

So apparently it’s because the decisions leading to the red was a breach in VAR protocol.

[u/pixelies]

If the original red card was the problem, correcting that isn't.

[u/Rufgar]

Ronaldo had a 3 game suspension “suspended” previous to this World Cup. This isn’t something that’s never happened before

[u/Patient_Tonight_9307]

I mean even if the US continues to do well their success will just be overshadowed by all this nonsense created by corruption, which stinks because they’ve been playing fantastic football

[u/dnemonicterrier]

What's the full story on this? Article is behind a pay wall for me.

[u/EmotionalEnt]

WOW!!!

[u/HandSack135]

Guys stop giving credit to the wrong narcissist.

Give the credit Nick Wright

[u/Plus-Writer-1524]

let see if French player getting a yellow for waving a finger (not the finger) get his yellow card suspended

[u/Logical-Breakfast150]

So can every team send their lawyers in post game to renegotiate the result? 

[u/Natural_Lettuce6]

Bring Cabo Verde back

[u/Tall-Calligrapher702]

All that's left now is to make sure the Uzbek ref from the France-Paraguay game is the one for the next USA game.

[u/SloppyPizzaPie]

r/worldcup experts (haters) seething

[u/Worried-Necessary-76]

VAR protocol was not followed properly and allowing Balogun to play confirms that an error was made. That or FIFA took a nice stack of cash.

[u/Complete-Donut-698 → u/Worried-Necessary-76]

Why not both?

[u/dansterman_30]

No one’s mad that one good player gets to play. They’re mad that it’s very clear political pressure determining this decision (call from White House)

Regardless if the red was harsh or not, the ref made his call and it wasn’t without reason. It adds a standard that shows big baby’s like Trump can have an impact on FIFA decision making, so who knows what else can be impacted.

If US even get close to touching the final with anymore controversy it will make it look rigged

Edit: I’m now looking forward to the euros after the clown show this World Cup has become. If any USA fans want to watch real football then tune in 2028

[u/pyronius]

On the one hand: the original call was nonsense and should never have resulted in a red card.

On the other hand: Trump getting himself involved has utterly tainted any illusion of impartiality in the review.

On the third hand: all of these commenters acting shocked (shocked, I tell you!) that FIFA is engaging in blatant corruption are absolutely hilarious.

[u/Shaquille_0atmea1]

Here for all the Europeans that would rather FIFA uphold an improper application of VAR rather than amend a mistake.

[u/dani1304]

Big DT made the call, or maybe it was a birthday present for Americas 250

[u/turboteeth]

Prob got threatened to take away hydration breaks and therefore money lol

[u/Mr_Charm_School]

It's nice to know that soccer/futbol Reddit is just as toxic as NFL and NBA reddit. . .

[u/KellyJin17]

The team found out on social media on their way to practice, lol? That’s insane. So FIFA had not even informed the USA before making it public.

Two things here are true: That was a bad and unwarranted call by the referee, and FIFA is as always corrupt. That red card should not have been given, but on what basis is it being reversed that the team doesn’t even know it’s happening? And the team doesn’t know, but Trump already has a statement issued. Another Peace Prize-style back room gift from FIFA to our idiot president.

Maybe if FIFA employed more competent refs we could have avoided all of this.

[u/mclardass]

This on the heals of the zero cards for Paraguay yesterday really supports the belief that the entire tourney is one giant shit show of corruption and insiders making money at the cost of the game.

FFS, cash rules everything around me but can't we have one beautiful game without it fucking us without lube?

[u/SkillPuzzleheaded370]

Shameful and corrupt

[u/Daddy_Stop]

Not sure I've seen this happen before; I'm not as experienced as some others, but historically, I've seen many more questionable cards than this one, too. And an elected official of the host nation publicly thanking FIFA for reversing a card given to said host nation is kind of... dystopian? Maybe too strong of a word, but I'm not quite sure what to even say here...

[u/ExplodiaNaxos]

Justice? Justice!? I see no justice, only corruption. Wtf are you talking about

[u/DukeOfStuff_]

For everybody saying it’s “corruption” this is America it’s not corruption, it’s lobbying. 

[u/goldstarr]

FIFA SAW THE JULY 4th CELEBRATIONS AND SAID FREEDOM FOR BALOGUN

[u/Emconn14]

i take back everything bad I said about the fifa peace prize 

[u/NotACyborg666]

Infantino must be removed. He makes Sepp Blatter look like a decent man, and Blatter used to be the poster child for corruption

[u/Unidentified-Liquid]

Seems like FIFA realized how bad the optics of this (questionable) call were. Issuing a red card under a blatant disregard for VAR protocol, while allowing Prince Messi to step on ankles unchecked.

Glad to see it.

BTW, where are all those droolers who were 100% confident that the suspension would not be reversed? I hope they enjoy this headline

[u/kolinthemetz → u/Unidentified-Liquid]

Also the people who were 100% confident it was a perfect red card and no one at fifa would even bat an eye at it lmao

[u/floftie → u/Unidentified-Liquid]

I'm not sure.

The optics of it getting overturned in an unprecedented way are appalling optics as well. Getting thanked by Trump on truth social is even worse optics!

[u/jdprager → u/floftie]

I kinda agree, but only because it's getting overturned in a (kinda) unprecedented way with no actual explanation. If FIFA just said "we're suspending this decision while we review the officiating process for a misuse of VAR protocol", this would be WAY less controversial. But instead they're just saying "Balogun's suspension is revoked because we have the right to revoke a suspension if we feel like it"

Like this is 100% the right decision, it just sucks that FIFA is seemingly way more willing to appear corrupt and shady than they are to put any blame on faulty officiating

[u/Lost-Study2885]

I mean, as a US fan, I’m absolutely thrilled to have Balogun back, but you have to laugh at how this went down.

The VAR official breaking protocol by showing the center ref a dramatic still image first instead of the actual real time video sequence is peak comedy. It’s the soccer equivalent of sending a heavily filtered, angles only selfie to a judge to prove a point.

Is FIFA "suspending the suspension" on a procedural technicality incredibly weird? For sure, and I totally get why fans of other teams are screaming into the void about favoritism right now. But honestly, the original red card felt way too harsh in the first place. For once, a VAR breakdown actually worked in our favor instead of completely screwing us over.

I'll gladly take the w. Let's go! 🦅🇺🇸

[u/HouseHead78]

Whoah! This is a huge boost for my team but also….uh I don’t get it

[u/tropic_gnome_hunter]

UNO reverse card

[u/saj175]

Wonder how much fifa got paid...

[u/MarstoriusWins → u/saj175]

Enough to hand out a made up peace prize to a demented pedophile.

[u/YMDBass]

Man, judging by the comment section...Hoes are indeed mad.

[u/Boysenberry-Secret-1]

Is this like a suspended jail sentence that celebrities and athletes get

[u/FuckTheTile]

Has this ever happened before?

[u/J3NK505]

Apparently the White House called the FIFA president and asked home to check the red card https://apnews.com/article/falorin-balogun-suspension-world-cup-e5a5cab5731a916808601be93cb36832

[u/JJOne101]

So.. Just imagine Uruguay having Suarez in that narrowly lost semifinal against the Dutch 2010.

[u/Own-Satisfaction8309]

Why though... idk anymore

[u/m3kw]

FIFA is too big to fail, they will bend to political pressure

[u/thenelston]

what are the odds we just don’t start him anyways lol

[u/mannamedlear]

I’m happy. But this is fishy.