World CupFIFA suspends Balogun ban, Belgium protests decision ahead of last-16 clash· 2 min read
The story
SEATTLE — FIFA announced on Sunday that it has suspended enforcement of the one-match ban imposed on American striker Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, making him eligible for Monday's FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash with Belgium.Shortly after FIFA's announcement, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) issued a statement expressing its "astonishment" at the decision and said it was exploring all possible options to safeguard its rights.Balogun, who ha…
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Details
BBC Sport - It had become one of the game's great certainties. If you are sent off at the World Cup, you will miss the next game.
The decision to effectively overturn the red card shown to United States' star forward Folarin Balogun leaves many unanswered questions.
Balogun, sent off in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, will now be available to play in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday. He's the US's top scorer at the tournament with three goals.
There have been 189 red cards in the history of the World Cup, and only two players have not served a suspension.
The other came in 1962, when Brazil's Garrincha was sent off against Chile in the semi-final, but played in the victory over Czechoslovakia in the final.
Back then, however, there was no automatic ban. It was decided by committee with evidence given by the officials.
How other sources reported it
Nile Post Sports also reported on the story, highlighting that bbc sport - it had become one of the game's great certainties. if you are sent off at the world cup, you will miss the next game.
Why it matters
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