World Cup: An Old Case, a New Controversy. A Sensational Rule Change

There is a before and after regarding the red card that was first shown and then rescinded for Folarin Balogun during the United States-Bosnia match. The striker’s challenge on Muharemovic had resulted in the American center forward’s ejection, a decision that was later overturned by the disciplinary bodies. This incident sparked controversy and continues to have repercussions even months later.

FIFA is, in fact, preparing to amend its regulations to clarify the suspension of bans. The proposal will be submitted to the Council at its meeting on Thursday, October 15, after members were sent a document proposing an amendment to Article 27 of the FIFA Regulations.

The provision governs the possibility of suspending Disciplinary Committee decisions, clarifying under what circumstances a suspension may be put on hold. The new wording aims to establish that a suspension of one or more match days is automatic and cannot be suspended.

If approved, the amendment would take effect from the moment it enters into force, without retroactive application. It would therefore be a prospective change, intended to govern future cases and not to retroactively affect those already concluded. The proposal also appears to be a way to clarify what happened with Balogun. Previously, in fact, there was no specific provision governing a situation considered ambiguous, such as that involving the American forward.

What made the incident even more controversial was the intervention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who had publicly stated that he had called his friend Gianni Infantino to discuss the incident. “I called him; it wasn’t a foul, but two athletes who collided,” Trump had stated. After the suspension was lifted, Balogun was able to return to the field as usual. The incident sparked widespread controversy, partly due to the direct involvement of political and soccer leaders.

The amendment proposed by FIFA will also have to align with the provisions of Circular 16 of 2026 regarding the World Cup, which already specifies that suspensions are automatic. The council members’ vote is expected on Thursday, October 15, and could mark an important step in defining the disciplinary rules of the international federation.