FIFA to amend rules following Balogun suspension controversy

FIFA has announced it will amend Article 27 of its regulations following a controversy involving US striker Folarin Balogun. The rule, which allows disciplinary measures to be suspended “integrally or partially” as an exception, was used to overturn a yellow card Balogun received against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to play in the World Cup round of 16.

During a FIFA Council meeting, Belgian Football Association president Pascale Van Damme raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency and the role played by US President Donald Trump in the decision. While FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered apologies for the handling of the matter, he did not provide full answers to all questions regarding the exceptional procedure.

The proposed amendment aims to ensure that any player receiving a red card must serve at least a one-match suspension, thereby removing ambiguity. The change is scheduled to be presented for approval during a meeting in Doha on December 16.