Belgium Granted Right to Appeal FIFA's Balogun Decision
Belgium's football association has been allowed to challenge FIFA's decision to suspend the one-match ban on US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup round of 16.
Belgium have been granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision to suspend the one-game ban on United States national team striker Folarin Balogun, according to a report by The Athletic. Balogun was initially set to miss Monday's round of 16 match after receiving a direct red card, which carried an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the ban had been suspended, sparking widespread debate.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) quickly stated it was exploring all options and formally wrote to FIFA to appeal the matter. The Athletic reports that the appeal was granted. The RBFA and US Soccer were asked to make submissions by 5am PT – 12 hours before the match at Seattle Stadium. A member of the FIFA appeals committee, not affiliated with UEFA or CONCAFAF, has been selected to hear the case. Belgium has not been guaranteed a ruling before the match.
Balogun is currently eligible to play and is expected to start. The 25-year-old has a team-best three goals during this World Cup, including the game-winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, he was later issued a red card following a VAR review.
Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other officials also involved. Trump praised the decision on Truth Social, calling it a reversal of a great injustice.
FIFA explained on its website that under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, the automatic match suspension for Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one year. Typically, red card suspensions cannot be appealed.
US Soccer issued a statement accepting the decision and expressing pleasure that Balogun is eligible. The RBFA countered with a lengthy statement criticizing the decision, citing other disciplinary code provisions that make red card rulings final. "In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play... the RBFA is investigating all potential options," the statement concluded.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia began his pre-match press conference by declaring he didn't know July 5 had turned into April Fool's Day, saying they are defending football. US coach Mauricio Pochettino defended FIFA's decision, arguing the US had already been punished by playing a man down for over 30 minutes. He rejected claims that the US is benefiting.
The report also references a similar case where Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo faced a three-match suspension, with two converted to a one-year probation after serving one game.
