Folarin Balogun is the 2nd-ever red card rescinded at a World Cup, and first since 1962
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Folarin Balogun is the 2nd-ever red card rescinded at a World Cup, and first since 1962 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This has only happened once before.
United States striker Folarin Balogun was given a red card at the World Cup, and he won't have to serve the suspension at this tournament.
FIFA installed a one-year probationary period for Balogun, and conceptually he could have to serve some kind of punishment after that.
But in the near term, he gets to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium on Monday night after everyone assumed he was suspended and out for the match.
The news only arrived Sunday, so it's a late jolt for the U.S. as it tries to win in Seattle.
It's also nearly unprecedented.
Only one other in-tournament red card at a World Cup hasn't been served.
MORE: How Folarin Balogun is allowed to play vs. Belgium after red card
Has this Folarin Balogun decision happened before?
Back in 1962, Brazil benefited from a red card being rescinded.
That was for their star winger, Garrincha.
He was sent off in the semifinal, and indications down through the historical record are that some bribes may have been key in somehow making sure Garrincha was available for the World Cup Final.
At the time, there was no automatic suspension for a red card. A committee had to convene, but to that point, they had always gone with a suspension.
For Garrincha, they didn't. He played in the final.
Now, 64 years later, Balogun follows suit.