Select Language:
During a surprising turn on Sunday, FIFA announced it would lift the one-match suspension imposed on U.S. forward Florian Balogun’s red card, enabling him to play in the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday.
Balogun isn’t alone in receiving a red card during this tournament. Data from Northeastern University’s NetSI Sport research group shows that the number of red cards handed out has more than tripled compared to the previous two World Cups.
So far this year, 13 players have been shown red cards. In 2018 and 2022, only four players received red cards in each tournament, according to the data.
In soccer, players can be shown either yellow or red cards in response to unsportsmanlike conduct. A yellow card acts as a caution, signaling an official warning for infractions like illegal tackles, arguing with referees, or pretending to be injured.
A red card, however, signifies a more serious offense such as reckless fouls, violent behavior, insulting language, spitting, or intentionally preventing a clear scoring chance, known as DOGSO. Players shown a red card are immediately sent off and cannot return to the game; in the World Cup, they’re also banned from starting the following match. Receiving two yellow cards in a single game also results in a red card.
Balogun was sent off during the U.S. team’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after stepping on an opponent’s ankle while trying to regain control of the ball in the second half.
While some defenders argue that Balogun may not have deserved a red card, critics—including UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations—say FIFA’s decision to suspend his ban undermines the tournament’s fairness. On Monday, FIFA rejected Belgium’s appeal challenging Balogun’s eligibility to play.
What explains the increase in red cards this year? According to NetSI Sport, several factors are at play, including improvements in video assistant referee (VAR) technology, which now provides faster and more detailed slow-motion replays.
For instance, three of this year’s red cards were initially considered yellow-card offenses but were upgraded after VAR reviews. These included Qatar’s Homam Ahmed’s last-man foul on Canada’s Tajon Buchanan on June 18; Qatar’s Assim Madibo’s dangerous tackle on Canada’s Ismaël Koné during the same match; and Iraq’s Rebin Sulaka’s DOGSO on Senegal’s Sadio Mané on June 26.
FIFA has also implemented stricter rules to promote safe and fair play. Two of this year’s red cards stemmed from violations of a new FIFA rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths when speaking to opponents. The first was issued to Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron against Turkey on June 19; the second went to Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie in their Round of 32 match against Mexico on June 30.
At the same time, the number of yellow cards and fouls has decreased across the tournament. NetSI attributes this trend to FIFA’s efforts to keep the game flowing smoothly, minimizing stops for minor infractions.
Written by Cesareo Contreras, Northeastern University.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
