The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup precedent that changed USMNT star Folarin Baloguns red card fortunes

Folarin Balogun wasn’t the only player who benefitted from a red-card suspension being reversed in favor of a probationary period.Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal star, avoided missing the first two games of the World Cup following a red card in November that led to a three-match ban — instead only missing his country’s final qualifying match and returning for their opener.That context seemingly paved the way for Sunday, when FIFA cited Article 27 as the reason for why Balogun — shown a red card during the U.S.men’s national team’s Round of 32 match — could have his suspension suspended and instead land a one-year probationary period.Article 27 states that “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure,” and if Balogun were to encounter a similar incident while in the probationary period, “and if he commits something similar during that stretch, “the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”Ronaldo’s lenient ruling in November following an incident during Portugal’s match against the Republic of Ireland, when his elbow connected with defender Dara O’Shea.He received his first red card at the international level, and similar to Balogun, if he committed another infraction while on probation, he would’ve been suspended for the additional two games.

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