FIFA's decision to send off Balogun causes displeasure

In the heated discussion surrounding Folarin Balogun's sending off during the USA's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is clear that FIFA's rules in this area are perceived as inadequate. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has already expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, noting: "It's never a red card, there was no intention to hit the player." However, according to FIFA regulations, it is not possible to appeal against a sending off.

FIFA regulations state in Article 66.4: "A red card automatically results in a suspension from the next match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures." This means that not only is it impossible to appeal the decision, but also that the punishment can only be increased.

US midfielder Tyler Adams commented on the situation with the words: "Typical FIFA." FIFA argues that the introduction of Video Refereeing (VAR) eliminates the need for an appeals process as decisions can be reviewed and potentially changed in real time. In Balogun's case, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus missed the player kicking Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic's leg with his cleats.



Following a VAR review, Claus was referred to the monitors, although it had already been decided that the original decision would stand. Balogun was penalized for "serious foul play", which is usually a strict interpretation of the rules. Using slow motion to assess a scene that did not occur in slow motion raises questions.

Furthermore, in the same game where Lionel Messi scored against Algeria, there was a similar situation where Messi did not receive a penalty, further highlighting the disparity in decisions. Pochettino noted: "For me, neither are red cards."

The fact that the US does not have the opportunity to even raise an objection is seen as a serious flaw, relegating Balogun to the stands for Monday's crucial round of 16 game against Belgium. This is particularly bitter for a player who has been one of the co-hosts' best and now has to watch his team play without him. The inability to correct such decisions is another example of how common sense often fails to prevail at FIFA.