Balogun’s Red Card Incident

Folarin Balogun was ejected during the U.S. team’s round-of-32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, marred only by his dismissal. The 24-year-old received a straight red for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic during the second half of the game held in Santa Clara. Balogun was clearly upset by referee Raphael Claus’ decision and was consoled by teammates as he exited the field.

Despite Balogun’s absence, the U.S. team overcame the challenge and built on the 1-0 advantage he had provided earlier in the game. Malik Tillman secured the win with a late free kick, advancing the U.S. to the final 16. Facing Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6, Balogun will be suspended for this crucial match.

Details of the Foul

In the 61st minute, with the U.S. ahead 1-0, Antonee Robinson sent the ball up the left sideline. Balogun attempted to position himself and inadvertently landed awkwardly on Muharemovic’s leg. Although unintentional, the replay showed Balogun made significant contact with the defender.

Referee Claus was advised by the Video Assistant Referee to review the incident. After careful examination, he concluded that Balogun committed a ‘serious foul,’ leading to his expulsion from the game.

Understanding Soccer Rules Pertaining to Red Cards

Brazilian referee Claus deemed Balogun’s actions a ‘serious foul’ under the rules set by the International Football Association Board. These rules state that any challenge threatening the opponent’s safety or employing excessive force qualifies as serious foul play. Players who lunge at opponents with excessive force, endangering their safety, are considered guilty of serious foul play.

Per FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 World Cup, a direct red card results in an automatic suspension from the next match. Additional sanctions might be imposed depending on the situation.

Article 10.6 of FIFA’s rules states that suspensions not completed during the tournament should carry over to the next official match the team plays.

Balogun’s foul on Muharemovic. (Michael Steele / Getty Images)

An Expert’s Perspective

Former Premier League referee Graham Scott highlighted how VAR has shifted the focus in such situations. Balogun was ruled out for ‘serious foul play,’ usually applied to reckless, uncontrolled tackles endangering opponents.

Video reviews can intensify perceptions of seemingly minor tackles. They make actions look severe, sometimes leading to red cards despite the lack of reckless intent. Scott expressed that Balogun’s tackle was part of regular gameplay, accidental and not reckless.

The replays showed Muharemovic in distress, not simulating an injury. Scott suggested Balogun’s actions warranted caution at most, but acknowledged red cards could be inevitable under recent rules interpretations.

Appeal Process for Red Cards

FIFA prohibits any appeal against a red card or its consequent suspension. Every red card is reviewed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee for a decision on further sanctions.

An official from FIFA pointed to Article 66.4 stating that a sending-off incurs automatic suspension from the following match. The judicial bodies may issue additional suspensions or disciplinary measures.

Balogun will miss the U.S. team’s last-16 battle against Belgium. His suspension might extend if the U.S. proceeds further, pending the FIFA disciplinary committee’s decision. Past cases, like Miguel Almiron’s and Assim Madibo’s, indicate varied lengths of additional bans when players faced disciplinary action for confrontational and injurious tackles.

Balogun’s Attendance at Upcoming Game

Accord to FIFA rules, Balogun can be present at the next match in a limited capacity. Suspended players may sit in the stands but not near the field. Balogun is restricted from accessing the dressing room, stadium tunnel, or technical area during the match, as well as attending warm-up or sitting on the team bench.