Football in the VAR era has conjured up more than a few controversies, with the 2026 World Cup providing no exception. But for the most part, co-hosts the United States had managed to sidestep any unwanted technological interventions — until their knockout fixture against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The in-form USMNT striker Folarin Balogun was sent off after a video review during his team’s Last 32 match. But stranger still was the nature of the red card’s reversal. Under Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, Balogun was spared the pain of a one-match suspension during the tournament despite the red card.
The ruling has been utilised similarly in the World Cup before, but how does it prevent a punished player from serving their suspension?
Outspoken World Cup pundit Alexi Lalas posted a tweet involving Messi after USMNT star Balogun was sent off against Bosnia
What Happened With Folarin Balogun?
Matthew Childs via Reuters
The former England U21 striker was sent off for an accidental, but dangerous challenge on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. Balogun had earlier scored the first goal in what would be the USA’s 2-0 Last 32 victory.
Referee Raphael Claus had not even awarded a free kick for Balogun’s challenge despite standing just a few yards away from the incident. But after being advised to review the incident by the video assistant referee, slow-motion replays showed Balogun’s foot landing high on the ankle of the Bosnian defender. The USA international was shown a straight red card in a decision that was widely criticised.
What is the FIFA Rule That Allows Red Cards to Be Suspended?
REUTERS/Henry Romero
Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code has been the subject of close attention in light of Balogun’s red card. The code does not allow appeals against straight red cards, with US Soccer representatives confirming this after the game when questioned about a possible appeal.
However, FIFA decided to enact Article 27 in the context of Balogun’s red card, rescinding it and therefore making him available for the Last 16 tie against Belgium.
Section 1 of Article 27 states that FIFA’s judicial committee has the power to “fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.” However, the red card will stay on the Monaco forward’s record for a probationary period of one year, as stated in Section 2 of Article 27.
“By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.” Essentially, if Balogun commits another similar violation, he will serve his one-match ban.
FIFA Article 27 in Full
The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.
By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.
If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.
Disciplinary measures relating to match manipulation cannot be suspended.
However, FIFA used the ruling to reduce the ban to one match, which he served in another qualifier against Armenia. This allowed Ronaldo to participate in the group games against the DR Congo and Uzbekistan, with the 41-year-old scoring twice against the latter.
Perhaps more controversially, Brazilian great Garrincha was permitted to play in the 1962 World Cup Final despite receiving a red card in the preceding game. Garrincha was sent off against Chile in the semifinal but no suspension was enforced. Brazil would go on to defeat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the final.
Did Donald Trump Play a Role in Balogun’s Red Card Suspension?
REUTERS/Stephanie Scarbrough
Considering his nation are co-hosts and performing impressively in the World Cup, the US President has been unusually quiet on social media. However, that all changed with one post following the cancellation of Balogun’s suspension.
This post came after Trump reportedly made calls to FIFA, asking for Balogun’s ban to be lifted. There were further reports following Trump’s social media post that the White House World Cup taskforce had brought a challenge against Balogun’s suspension, specifically citing the use of slow-motion replays to support VAR decisions. Beyond the debate around Article 27, the knock-on effect of this appeal could lead to further legal challenges against professional football’s disciplinary approach.
The United States’ next opponents, Belgium, were understandably vexed by the decision. In a damning statement, the Royal Belgium Football Association (RBFA) were “astonished” by FIFA’s decision-making, accusing them of contradicting their own rules and regulations.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the Belgian FA is investigating all potential options,” the RBFA concluded.
Two Premier League clubs are said to be considering a move for a Tottenham player who could push for a move this summer. Spurs have had a memorable summer transfer window so far, racking up a club-record spending bill of more than £230million, and more spending is expected.
Back-to-back bottom half Premier League finishes have scared the Tottenham board into action, and Roberto De Zerbi is benefiting in a major way, notably being handed Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, along with others.
But a high number of new signings is not good news for everyone, and some players now face having to leave.
Bergvall wants out of Tottenham
via Reuters
According to various reports, Lucas Bergvall wants to leave Tottenham this summer. The Sweden international saw his play time reduced after De Zerbi’s arrival towards the end of last season, and there is no obvious path to his play time increasing next season.
Spurs have James Maddison back to full fitness, while Xavi Simons will also be an option in the 10 position. Conor Gallagher and Mateus Fernandes can also play further forward, while there are options out wide, and De Zerbi is expected to further add to those options.
In Bergvall’s defence, it’s understandable how he doesn’t see a role in the Tottenham starting XI next season, even if fans are going to want to see him show a little more ambition to fight for his place.
Premier League duo eye Bergvall move
Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – November 29, 2025 Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall in action with Fulham’s Harry Wilson REUTERS/David Klein
According to Pete O’Rourke and Football Insider, there are two clubs currently interested in a move for Bergvall this summer. O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider Podcast: “I’m sure Tottenham don’t want to keep a player who is unhappy and has indicated that he is interested in a move away. Nottingham Forest have shown a bit of interest in him as a potential replacement for Elliot Anderson, and Aston Villa are long-term admirers of Bergvall as well.”
Spurs are currently said to be ruling out a move for Bergvall, but the situation could change if the player demands an exit. No manager is going to want an unhappy player kicking around,but given the Swede is only 20 years of age and with clear talent and potential, there could be a situation where he is loaned out rather than sold.
De Zerbi could also play a more selfish game and keep Bergvall around until at least January, keeping in mind Simons is not going to return until the winter.
Frank’s praise for Bergvall
Former Spurs boss Thomas Frank was a big fan of Bergvall, and he believed the youngster’s best position would be behind the 10, although the signings of Sandro Tonali and Fernandes won’t help his cause there, either.
“Lucas is very talented. I think he will end up as what we call an eight, that’s where I think he will end, but who knows? He’s more than capable of playing as a 10 or he can play a more midfield role from the side as he did against Liverpool,” Frank said last year.
“He’s a player we can use in different roles which is hugely beneficial and important, to have that player who can run in behind, he’s very good at pressing, good on the ball and he can drive forward with the ball. Over time he will fall into a more fixed position. It’s completely normal for a young player to play in different positions. To be that flexible is a huge boost. Look at Szoboszlai, who we all think is one of the best midfielders in the league.”
Liverpool have opened talks to sign one of the standout young talents at the World Cup.
Liverpool Sign Celtic Defender
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have sealed a deal to sign Celtic defender Dara Jikiemi on a five-year contract.
Jikiemi is the Scotland U16 captain, and it’s a huge statement that Liverpool have offered him a five-year contract at his age.
The 16-year-old is unlikely to come into the senior setup, and it will likely be a while before Liverpool fans can see him in action for the first team.
Jikiemi has yet to make his Celtic debut, and he now looks set to make the move to Liverpool.
Tottenham are showing an interest in signing a Paris Saint-Germain star in the summer transfer window, and he now wants to leave the club.
It’s been an incredibly busy summer transfer window for Spurs, who have already confirmed six new additions.
Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Martin Dubravka, Jan-Paul Van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have all arrived through the door at Hotspur Way.
The North London club have spent significant sums of money strengthening their squad, and they don’t appear to be finished yet, with it being so early in the transfer window.
It’s an important summer as Tottenham prepare to head back in the right direction after an incredibly disappointing couple of years.
Tottenham are ready to go again after completing a deal for Tonali.
Tottenham eyeing PSG star
According to a report from journalist Santi Aouna, Tottenham are one of the sides showing an interest in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye in the summer transfer window.
The Senegalese international wants to leave the club this summer, even though his entourage wants him to continue his journey with the French side.
Mbaye, described as fearless, was recently at the World Cup with Senegal before they were knocked out by Belgium.
With PSG looking to strengthen in the final third and already having bundles of talent, and by now wants to leave in search of regular first-team football
