The Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup precedent that changed USMNT star Folarin Balogun's 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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Balogun’s return marked a major boost for the USMNT ahead of their Round of 16 match Monday against Belgium, with the striker already collecting three goals in his World Cup debut — including the first tally against Bosnia-Herzegovina before his foot connected with the area around Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle and Balogun was shown off.

“There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest,” Balogun said last week of the red card. “But for me it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and emotion.

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“There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust, so I felt I did that. I’m happy with the support, not just I’m receiving but the team. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”

And, fittingly, there’s a chance that Portugal and the USMNT could meet in the quarterfinals, though Portugal must survive Spain on Monday in Dallas in order to advance to Los Angeles.