FIFA Allows US Forward Paul Arriola to Play Against Belgium Despite Controversial Red Card

FIFA has made an unusual decision to permit Paul Arriola to play in the upcoming World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium, scheduled in Seattle on the night of December 2-3 at 3:00 AM local time (Sport1). Arriola, who scored the opening goal for the US against Bosnia at the 45th minute, was controversially sent off with a red card in the 64th minute. This red card normally results in a one-match suspension. However, according to FIFA's own regulations, the incident should not have been reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Despite this, the VAR team asked Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus to review the play on the monitor, although Klaus did not issue even a yellow card during the match.

Under FIFA rules, the US Soccer Federation had no grounds to appeal the red card. Nevertheless, FIFA's governing body made an exceptional ruling allowing Arriola to participate in the next game. Arriola, 25, who plays as a forward for Monaco, is currently the top scorer for the US team in this World Cup with three goals, and has scored 12 goals in 30 international appearances overall.