Balogun is clear to play because FIFA suspended his one-match red-card ban under an unusual disciplinary rule, so the punishment was delayed instead of being served immediately. Reports say the decision was made shortly before the match, and Belgium has already protested it as inconsistent with the normal automatic-suspension rule.

What happened

  • Balogun was sent off after a VAR review in the previous match.
  • FIFA then applied Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows a sanction to be suspended for a probationary period.
  • That made him eligible for the next game, even though a straight red card usually means a one-match ban.

Why people are surprised

  • The move looks like a reversal of the usual red-card process.
  • Belgium says the ruling conflicts with both FIFA disciplinary rules and World Cup regulations.
  • FIFA’s decision also came with a one-year probation period, so the suspension can be reactivated if there is a repeat offense.

In plain terms

Think of it like this: the red card still happened, but FIFA paused the penalty rather than making Balogun sit out immediately. That is why he is “clear to play” despite the red card.

TL;DR: FIFA used a disciplinary loophole/probation rule to suspend Balogun’s ban, which is why he can play, even though that decision is controversial.