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FIFA set to change rule at center of controversial Folarin Balogun decision
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- FIFA set to change rule at center of controversial Folarin Balogun decision
FIFA is set to amend a rule that led to Folarin Balogun 's red card suspension being controversially reversed during the 2026 World Cup.
After a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, Oct. 15, FIFA said that it would undergo a review of the process by which Balogun saw his automatic one-game ban turned into a suspended sentence .
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"Following the decision taken by FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee to suspend for a probationary period of a year the one-match ban imposed on the USA's Folarin Balogun following his sending-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the FIFA World Cup 2026, it was agreed that a review of FIFA's disciplinary procedures will be undertaken by FIFA's Legal Committee and a presentation will also be made at the next FIFA Council meeting in December 2026," a FIFA news release said .
The review, per multiple reports, would prohibit the suspensions of automatic one-match bans in the future.
The FIFA Council will next meet in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 16, during which the proposal is expected to be submitted and subsequently approved.
The United States
delivered a statement win in the World Cup Round of 32, securing a place in the next stage.
See the celebrations and emotional moments as Team USA advanced in the knockout rounds.
Above, Malik Tillman #17 of the United States celebrates victory with his team mates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Tim Ream #13 of the United States celebrates victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
Chris Brady #25 and Matt Freese #24 of the United States celebrate victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Matt Freese #24 of the United States celebrates victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States scores his team's first goal past Nikola Vasilj #1 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Michael Steele, Getty Images)
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Malik Tillman #17 of the United States celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Charlotte Wilson, Getty Images)
Malik Tillman #17 of the United States celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Charlotte Wilson, Getty Images)
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/8
Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
The United States
delivered a statement win in the World Cup Round of 32, securing a place in the next stage.
See the celebrations and emotional moments as Team USA advanced in the knockout rounds.
Above, Malik Tillman #17 of the United States celebrates victory with his team mates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
1
/8
Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
The United States
delivered a statement win in the World Cup Round of 32, securing a place in the next stage.
See the celebrations and emotional moments as Team USA advanced in the knockout rounds.
Above, Malik Tillman #17 of the United States celebrates victory with his team mates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
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/8
Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tim Ream #13 of the United States celebrates victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
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Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Chris Brady #25 and Matt Freese #24 of the United States celebrate victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Matt Freese #24 of the United States celebrates victory after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States scores his team's first goal past Nikola Vasilj #1 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Michael Steele, Getty Images)
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Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Malik Tillman #17 of the United States celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Charlotte Wilson, Getty Images)
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Team USA erupts in celebration after World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Malik Tillman #17 of the United States celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
(Charlotte Wilson, Getty Images)
What is the rule set for review?
U.S. men's national team forward Balogun was shown a straight red card in a 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. As Balogun was preparing to serve an automatic one-game ban in the round of 16 against Belgium, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee surprisingly announced the forward's ban had been reversed .
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"In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," a FIFA statement read.
Shortly after FIFA's decision was announced, President Donald Trump revealed he pushed FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reverse the suspension. Infantino has maintained that Trump did not influence the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, which operates independently.
Even with Balogun in the lineup, the USMNT still fell 4-1 to Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code simply states that FIFA's Disciplinary Committee "may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."
Tyler Adams #4 of United States controls the ball during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
Sep 26, 2026; Orlando, Miami, USA; United States defender Justin Ellis (22) reacts after scoring a goal against Peru in the first half during an international friendly at Inter.co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cavan Sullivan #8 of United States warms up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sebastian Berhalter #14 of United States celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Malik Tillman #17 of United States celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cavan Sullivan #8 of United States controls the ball whilst under pressure from Marcos Lopez #4 of Peru during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Giovanni Reyna #7 of United States is challenged by Renzo Garces #15 of Peru during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cavan Sullivan #8 of United States controls the ball during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States forward Julian Hall (19) celebrates after scoring a goal against Chile during the second half at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before a match against Chile at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States and Chile get in a altercation during the second half at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States midfielder Mathis Albert scores against Chile goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux (12) during the second half at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Maximiliano Gutierrez #9 of Chile is challenged by Frankie Westfield #21 of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Chile at Energizer Park on September 29, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Joe Puetz, Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Sebastian Berhalter #14 of United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the international friendly match between United States and Chile at Energizer Park on September 29, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
US defender #21 Frankie Westfield (L) and Chile's defender #26 Diego Ulloa run behind the ball during the international friendly football match between USA and Chile at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 29, 2026.
(TIM VIZER, AFP via Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Julian Hall #19 of United States celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Sebastian Berhalter #14 during the international friendly match between United States and Chile at Energizer Park on September 29, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Joe Puetz, Getty Images)
Mexico keeper Jose Rangel (1) makes a save against the USA during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Team USA celebrates a goal from forward Cavan Sullivan during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino yells to his players during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Mexico midfielder Santiago Sandoval (28) dribbles against USA defender Antonee Robinson (5) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Team USA celebrates a goal from forward Cavan Sullivan during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Mexico midfielder Luis Romo (7) shoots on goal against the USA during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Mexico midfielder Luis Romo (7) shoots on goal against USA midfielder Tyler Adams (4) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA forward Julian Hall (19) joins the fans after scoring a goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA forward Cavan Sullivan shows the badge during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Mexico Santiago Gimenez (11) shoves USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Team USA celebrates a goal from forward Cavan Sullivan during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA lines up during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
USA forward Julian Hall (19) scores a goal against Mexico keeper Jose Rangel (1) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
United States midfielder Cavan Sullivan (8) reacts as shots gets past Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (1) for a goal in the second half at State Farm Stadium.
(allanhenry, Allan Henry-Imagn Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Tyler Adams #4 of United States controls the ball during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Tyler Adams #4 of United States controls the ball during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Sep 26, 2026; Orlando, Miami, USA; United States defender Justin Ellis (22) reacts after scoring a goal against Peru in the first half during an international friendly at Inter.co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cavan Sullivan #8 of United States warms up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sebastian Berhalter #14 of United States celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Malik Tillman #17 of United States celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cavan Sullivan #8 of United States controls the ball whilst under pressure from Marcos Lopez #4 of Peru during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Giovanni Reyna #7 of United States is challenged by Renzo Garces #15 of Peru during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cavan Sullivan #8 of United States controls the ball during the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States forward Julian Hall (19) celebrates after scoring a goal against Chile during the second half at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before a match against Chile at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States and Chile get in a altercation during the second half at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Sep 29, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; United States midfielder Mathis Albert scores against Chile goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux (12) during the second half at Energizer Park.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Maximiliano Gutierrez #9 of Chile is challenged by Frankie Westfield #21 of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Chile at Energizer Park on September 29, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Joe Puetz, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Sebastian Berhalter #14 of United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the international friendly match between United States and Chile at Energizer Park on September 29, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
US defender #21 Frankie Westfield (L) and Chile's defender #26 Diego Ulloa run behind the ball during the international friendly football match between USA and Chile at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 29, 2026.
(TIM VIZER, AFP via Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 29: Julian Hall #19 of United States celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Sebastian Berhalter #14 during the international friendly match between United States and Chile at Energizer Park on September 29, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
(Joe Puetz, Getty Images)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Mexico keeper Jose Rangel (1) makes a save against the USA during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Team USA celebrates a goal from forward Cavan Sullivan during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino yells to his players during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Mexico midfielder Santiago Sandoval (28) dribbles against USA defender Antonee Robinson (5) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Team USA celebrates a goal from forward Cavan Sullivan during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Mexico midfielder Luis Romo (7) shoots on goal against the USA during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Mexico midfielder Luis Romo (7) shoots on goal against USA midfielder Tyler Adams (4) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) celebrates his first goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA forward Julian Hall (19) joins the fans after scoring a goal against Mexico during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA forward Cavan Sullivan shows the badge during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Mexico Santiago Gimenez (11) shoves USA forward Cavan Sullivan (8) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
Team USA celebrates a goal from forward Cavan Sullivan during an international friendly match against Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA lines up during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
USA forward Julian Hall (19) scores a goal against Mexico keeper Jose Rangel (1) during an international friendly match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Oct. 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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USMNT shines in September-October international window
United States midfielder Cavan Sullivan (8) reacts as shots gets past Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (1) for a goal in the second half at State Farm Stadium.
(allanhenry, Allan Henry-Imagn Images)
Belgium FA speaks out on rule change
According to the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which vocally protested the decision over Balogun's suspension at the time, the proposed rule change was not enough.
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"The Balogun case goes far beyond a simple red card. The real issue is how decisions are made within international football, respect for the rights of those involved, and the safeguards needed to prevent similar situations from happening again," the RBFA said in a statement on Thursday, Oct. 15 .
RBFA president and FIFA Council member Pascale Van Damme said that she had put the following three questions to FIFA at the meeting on Thursday:
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President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged intervening in the Balogun case. Can FIFA guarantee that there was no interference whatsoever, by anyone, during the disciplinary proceedings?
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What were the exceptional circumstances surrounding the Balogun case, and what criteria were applied when implementing Article 27 in comparable cases?
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Can FIFA guarantee that, in the future, member associations will have the right to be heard in relation to all decisions taken by FIFA's disciplinary bodies?
"FIFA's confirmation that Article 27 will be amended, following the request we had already submitted in July, is an important step. The proposed amendment, together with an explanation of the specific circumstances of the Balogun case, will be submitted in Doha," Van Damme said.
"For us, this is not where it ends. We want not only to see the rules amended, but also to have clarity on how they are applied. Transparency, legal certainty and good governance must form the foundation of every decision taken within international football. We will continue to monitor this matter closely."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FIFA set to change rule at center of controversial Folarin Balogun decision
