Folarin Balogun was staring down a one-match ban heading into one of the biggest games of the United States men's national team's World Cup run. Then FIFA stepped in and changed everything.
The USMNT striker, who leads the team in goals, was sent off in the second half of the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review showed him catching Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle with his boot.
The red card carried an automatic one-match suspension, which would have ruled him out of Monday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium. But FIFA announced it would suspend the ban under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, placing it under a one-year probationary period instead. Balogun will play.
REUTERS - Pedro Nunes
Thomas Tuchel Weighs In on FIFA's Balogun Ruling
The decision didn't sit well with a lot of people around the tournament. Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia was vocal about his frustration, arguing the move went against the spirit of the game and questioning how a red card issued during the World Cup could simply be overturned because a knockout match was next.
President Donald Trump praised the ruling, calling the original red card a "grave injustice," with reports suggesting he had pushed FIFA to take another look.
England manager Thomas Tuchel was asked about it after England's 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico and didn't hold back.
"To be clear it was not a red card. VAR got involved. The decision is made. Who overturns this decision and when and on what grounds? It's strange for me," Tuchel said, via Henry Winter. "We want consistency. I think it is not a yellow card, Declan Rice. Does France get the yellow card back for Olise which was not a yellow card. Where does this start and where does this end? Do we appeal Jarell Quansah red? Should Harry Kane ask President Trump? Maybe!"
Tuchel's point cuts to the heart of what's bothering coaches and fans alike. If a red card suspension can be lifted through the right channels, every team facing a similar situation will feel the pressure to push back.
It sets a precedent that could follow this tournament long after the final whistle.
For now, Balogun is cleared to play. Belgium and the United States meet Tuesday with a quarterfinal spot on the line and one of the World Cup's most controversial calls hanging over the whole thing.
