Forward was sent off for foul play against a Bosnia player during their last-32 game
USA will be without Folarin Balogun for their World Cup last-16 meeting with Belgium after Fifa confirmed there is no right of appeal against the striker’s red card in the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun’s dismissal carries an automatic one-match suspension under Fifa’s disciplinary rules, although the governing body could yet impose a longer ban if its disciplinary committee decides the challenge warrants further punishment.
A US Soccer spokesperson said the federation would appeal only if Balogun receives a suspension beyond the mandatory one-match ban.
Article 66.4 of the Fifa disciplinary code states that “if a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card [for a second yellow card], they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match.”
Balogun, who has been the leading attacker for USA, with three goals so far at the tournament, was sent off in the 64th minute of 2-0 win after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus reviewed his challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic at the pitchside monitor.
Muharemovic required lengthy treatment after Balogun’s stomped on his ankle and Achilles tendon.
The red card was contentious to some who felt it as unintentional. USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino said the decision was “never a red card” and that Balogun’s challenge was a “normal action in football”.
FIFA has previously increased suspensions after reviewing serious incidents. Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo received a five-match ban after an initial one-match suspension when his challenge left Canada’s Ismael Kone with a broken leg earlier in the tournament. But it is not yet clear whether Balogun’s case will be reviewed for further punishment.
USA face Belgium in Seattle on Monday, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake and Balogun will certainly miss the match, which is a serious blow for the co-hosts.
