Why the USA can't appeal Folarin Balogun's red card in World Cup win
The United States won't be able to appeal Folarin Balogun's red card due to a little-known FIFA rule.
In the early hours of Thursday morning the United States of America ensured that all three co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup have made it to the round of 16 with a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A goal from star striker Balogun put the US ahead shortly before half-time before midfielder Malik Tillman doubled the host's lead and sealed the victory in the 82nd minute.
But it wasn't all good news for the USMNT as opening goalscorer Balogun was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute following a challenge on Bosnia centre back Tarik Muharemović.
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As he made a challenge for the ball, the 24-year-old dug his studs into the leg of his opponent, catching him on the ankle as he landed.
Initially, referee Raphael Claus simply awarded a free-kick for the incident, but following an intervention from VAR, he decided to give Balogun his marching orders, deeming him to have committed a serious foul.
This means that the the US will now face Belgium in the next knockout round without their star player after the European giants completed an extra-time comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 after 120 minutes.
Many fans assumed that the US may be able to appeal the controversial decision, with some suggesting that the challenge was no different to Lionel Messi's unpunished challenge on Algeria's Aïssa Mandi during Argentina’s opening match.
However, a little-known rule in FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 World Cup means that this is not the case.
According to Article 10.5 of the regulations: "If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.”
Article 66.4 adds: “A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures.”
While Article 9, Section 6 states: "No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code."
This means that the US, or any other team looking to appeal a red card, can only make an appeal if additional games are added to the suspension by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee.
As it stands, Balogun is only set to be suspended for one game, meaning he will miss the US and Belgium's meeting at the Seattle Stadium for their round of 16 clash, set to kick off at 1am on Tuesday, July 7.
Former Premier League referee slams VAR for Balogun red card
Speaking after the match, ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg weighed in on the controversial moment that saw Balogun sent off, claiming that it was just an 'accident' and the striker shouldn't have been sent off.
He said on Fox Sports: “I don’t believe it’s a good use of VAR.
“It’s just an accident. This happens.
“You can see he’s upset by it.
“This doesn’t meet the criteria for a red card and it’s certainly going to change the course of the game."
Topics: VAR, Football, FIFA World Cup, US Sports
Ben McCrum