FIFA fines USMNT's Folarin Balogun $40,000, red
FIFA fined the USMNT's Folarin Balogun $40,000 and postponed his red card suspension for one year, allowing him to play against Belgium.
FIFA fines USMNT's Folarin Balogun $40,000, red
Earlier in the week, FIFA's decision regarding Folarin Balogun's red card was revealed. Hours before the U.S.'s round of 16 match against Belgium, FIFA released a detailed statement from its disciplinary committee. The statement said Balogun had been fined $40,000 for the red card. Along with this, the one match suspension for this red card has also been postponed for one year.According to FIFA, the team was informed of the fine and suspension on Sunday. The disciplinary committee confirmed that Balogun was investigated for two offenses: first, the red card and second, returning to the field and celebrating with his American teammates, "although he was ejected." The committee found him guilty of "both violations". It is unclear whether the fine relates to the first violation or the second.FIFA also said that the US Soccer Federation (USSF) was "jointly liable for this fine", meaning Balogun would probably not pay the full amount himself. Balogun's foul occurred in the second half of the US's win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA had previously told the United States that it could not appeal the decision. But on Sunday, Balogun's one-match suspension was overturned. Former US President Donald Trump said he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and later took credit for overturning the suspension. Belgium said it was "shocked" by the decision and its appeal was officially rejected on Monday morning.Mauricio Pochettino said Sunday that the United States had been "punished enough." A FIFA statement confirmed that Balogun would normally have served a one-match suspension during Monday's match, but the disciplinary committee invoked "Article 27", which gives FIFA broad powers to change disciplinary measures.
This suspension means that Balogun will have a probationary period of one year. If he commits any similar "infractions" during this period, a one-match suspension will be added to any penalty given for that new infraction.
As a result of this decision, Balogun will be available for the game against Belgium and will be included in the starting lineup for the team.
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