Red card system in disarray over Trump, Fifa and Balogun decision

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Red card system in disarray over Trump, Fifa and Balogun decisionImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Florian Balogun was set to be suspended after being sent off for a challenge on Bosnia's Tarik MuharemovicByDale Johnson Football issues correspondentPublished17 minutes agoIt had become one of the game's great certainties. If you are sent off at the World Cup, you will miss the next game. No ifs, no buts, no appeals.

The decision to effectively overturn the red card shown to United States' star forward Florian Balogun's leaves many unanswered questions. Balogun, sent off in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, will now be available to play in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday. He's the US's top scorer at the tournament with three goals.

The Details

There have been 189 red cards in the history of the World Cup, and only two players have not served a suspension. The other came in 1962, when Brazil's Garrincha was sent off against Chile in the semi-final, but played in the victory over Czechoslovakia in the final. Back then, however, there was no automatic ban.

It was decided by committee with evidence given by the officials. The Fifa disciplinary committee's decision in 1962 was shrouded in allegations of political interference, external. It may well be the case again.

Given the well-established close relationship between the White House and Fifa, questions will be asked because of what is a highly unusual decision in favour of the co-hosts. Multiple reports say that US President Donald Trump called Fifa president Gianni Infantino earlier this week to ask for the red card to be reviewed. The has not yet confirmed these reports.

What Experts Say

Does it set a footballing precedent, too? Why has Balogun been given a reprieve, but the other 11 players sent off at this World Cup have all served a suspension? Will it lead to more appeals in football in a bid to cut suspensions even when red cards were justified under the rules?

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Fifa's disciplinary code states that Balogun should receive a ban of "at least two matches for serious foul play". Indeed, the World Cup rules do not allow teams to appeal against a red card. Fifa's statement offered no reason or explanation for suspending Balogun's ban.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.