FIFA Suspends Red Card Ban for U.S. Soccer Player Folarin Balogun Ahead of World Cup Match

FIFA has suspended the red card ban for U.S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to participate in the upcoming World Cup match against Belgium. Balogun, 25, received a red card during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic, which typically results in a one-game suspension. However, a provision in FIFA's disciplinary code allows for the suspension to be partially or fully suspended. Balogun's suspension has been lifted, but he risks facing the original penalty and potential additional sanctions if he commits another similar infraction in the next match. U.S. Soccer expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing their focus on the upcoming match. Balogun has been a key player, having started in all but one match and scored in each game, including two goals in the opener against Paraguay. Additionally, Portugal's captain Cristiano Ronaldo is also facing disciplinary issues, having received a three-match ban, with FIFA suspending the last two games of his suspension.