FIFA to ban disciplinary overturning of automatic red card suspensions

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 12:20 · Archive

FIFA is expected to change rules preventing disciplinary committees from overturning automatic match suspensions.

FIFA's council is expected to vote on Thursday in Zurich on a motion to prohibit disciplinary committees from overturning automatic match suspensions at the World Cup, according to multiple reports of the agenda for the meeting.

The change follows the controversial overturning of USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card during this summer's World Cup. Balogun received a red card for stepping on Bosnia and Herzegovina player Tarik Muharemovic's ankle during a 2-0 victory, which triggered an automatic one-game suspension. However, after US President Donald Trump urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case, the ban was suspended, allowing Balogun to play in the USA's round-of-16 match against Belgium.

The decision to overturn the ban ignited one of the tournament's biggest controversies, drawing widespread criticism from football federations, former FIFA officials, experts and coaches. The Belgian FA indicated it would complain to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. A FIFA briefing document states the proposed change is 'a way for FIFA to cure the handling of the Balogun case'. Under the new rules, automatic suspensions would be overturned only if the wrong player was sent off.

How it is being reported

• FIFA to change rules to avoid Folarin Balogun repeat after World Cup scandalUSA striker Folarin Balogun was wrapped up in a huge controversy during the World Cup after seeing his red card ban cancelled by FIFA and it appears a major change could be on the horizonMirror Sport · 15 Oct, 11:47
• FIFA set for rule change after Balogun red card row at the World Cup: reportsThe governing body's council is expected to prohibit disciplinary committees from overturning match suspensions.Al Jazeera · 15 Oct, 11:46

In this story: Folarin Balogun · Gianni Infantino · Donald Trump · FIFA · Bosnia and Herzegovina · USA

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