What is the secret FIFA rule that saved Balogun?

Folarin Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina sparked major controversy at the 2026 World Cup. The immediate comparison was made to a similar foul committed by Lionel Messi in his first match, which went unpunished. Now, the American forward received FIFA’s “forgiveness” in a decision involving Donald Trump himself.

Despite receiving a red card, Balogun will be available for the round of 16. The United States faces Belgium on July 6 with their striker on the pitch. The reason behind this decision is Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, a little-known rule that already has precedents.

What Article 27 says that FIFA applied

This rule allows total or partial suspension of a disciplinary measure under a probationary period. The sanction remains in effect and the red card is irreversible, but its application is postponed. The probationary period can extend between one and four years, as established by the code.

The text is clear about the consequences of reoffending. “If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infraction of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the judicial body will revoke the suspension and execute the sanction,” the rule states. This means Balogun will play under a latent warning.

This is not the first time FIFA has resorted to this rule. In November 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo faced a three-match suspension for violent conduct. The Portuguese player received a direct red card after an elbow against an Irish opponent in the qualifying phase.

Ronaldo served the first of the three matches against Armenia. Then, FIFA applied Article 27 and placed the remaining two under a one-year probationary period. The organization argued at that time that “CR7” maintained a clean play record, which prevented him from missing the opening World Cup matches.

Trump’s call to the FIFA president

According to CNN, citing a source familiar with the case, Trump allegedly spoke with Gianni Infantino. The U.S. president reportedly requested a review of Balogun’s red card. Days later, a favorable decision for the player arrived.

Trump did not hide his satisfaction and spoke out through Truth Social. “Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!” the president wrote. The reaction generated even more noise around an already controversial case.

U.S. Soccer also expressed satisfaction with FIFA’s resolution. “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Commission and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” it said in a statement. The announcement was issued Sunday, hours before the match.

Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino also spoke about the issue in a press conference. “We were already punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina having to play with ten men for 30 minutes, in a completely unjust decision,” he said. The coach defended his team’s position without hesitation.

Pochettino went further and publicly backed FIFA’s decision. “99.9% of people agree it was an unjust red card. Perhaps today we got lucky,” added the coach. His words reflect full support from the technical staff toward Balogun.

Belgium’s Federation does not stay silent

Belgium did not accept the decision without questioning it and is already analyzing possible legal measures. The Belgian federation cited Article 66.4 of the same FIFA disciplinary code. This article would establish a direct contradiction with the resolution taken in Balogun’s favor.

“It clearly establishes that an expulsion automatically implies a suspension for the team’s next match,” noted the Royal Belgian Football Federation (RBFA).