'Astonishing' - Ex-refs chief suggests what England and World Cup teams should do in response to ‘totally unfair’ Folarin Balogun U-turn

Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension should have remained in place for the USA’s World Cup quarter-final against Belgium on Tuesday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the decision to suspend his one-match ban is completely incorrect.

Balogun had picked up a one-match ban after he was sent off in the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.

However, FIFA announced on Sunday that this ban had been suspended for a year without any reason or explanation and solely cited Article 27, which gives them the power to make this decision.

Before the tournament, a similar situation happened with Cristiano Ronaldo, which allowed him to play in the opening two matches of the World Cup, despite being sent off against the Republic of Ireland in the qualifiers.

However, it is the first time since 1962 that a red card has not resulted in a suspension in the World Cup, with Brazil’s Garrincha previously receiving his marching orders against Chile in the semi-finals before he was cleared to play Czechoslovakia in the final.

Keith Hackett: Folarin Balogun’s suspended ban weakens red card sanction

Upon reviewing the incident, the former referee exclusively told Football Insider: “I understand that the suspension of a disciplinary Sanction can be deferred under the above FIFA regulations.

“I see it as being totally unfair, and the remaining teams in the competition should go down the appeal route for the suspension to be put into effect immediately.

“It now weakens the sanction of a red card on the field of play."

As a result of FIFA’s decision, the Belgian FA are furious and released a statement on Sunday stating that they were "astonished" that Balogun had been cleared to play.

Now, the Lowland nation is set to take on the USA with their star man back in the lineup.

When does the USA play Belgium?

The USA will take on Belgium on Tuesday, with kick-off taking place at 1am UK time.

The match is set to be hosted at the Seattle Stadium, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

If victorious, the US will then face either Spain or Portugal, who both face each other on Monday.

The US are the last of the co-hosts remaining in the tournament after Canada and Mexico were eliminated in the round of 16.