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Rabat – Belgium has reportedly appealed FIFA’s decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban given to US striker Folarin Balogun, just hours before the two teams meet in the FIFA World Cup round of 16.
According to The Athletic, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) submitted a formal appeal after FIFA unexpectedly suspended Balogun’s one-match suspension on Sunday. FIFA agreed to hear the appeal and asked both the RBFA and US Soccer to submit their arguments before the case is reviewed by a member of FIFA’s appeals committee.
The committee member handling the case is not linked to any football federation in either UEFA or CONCACAF. However, there is no guarantee that a decision will be made before Monday’s match in Seattle, added the report.
Balogun had originally been suspended after receiving a straight red card following a VAR review during the US’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under FIFA rules, a direct red card normally results in an automatic one-match ban.
Despite that, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension would not be enforced immediately. Instead, the governing body said the automatic ban had been suspended for a one-year probation period under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, making Balogun eligible to play against Belgium.
Read also: Trump Thanks FIFA as Balogun Ban Decision Raises Fairness Questions
The decision sparked strong criticism from the Belgian federation, which said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and argued that red-card suspensions are meant to be final and not subject to appeal. The RBFA said it was acting to protect fair play and the rights of all teams competing in the World Cup.
The controversy grew after reports that US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking him to review Balogun’s suspension. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other White House officials were also reportedly involved. Trump later welcomed FIFA’s decision in a post on Truth Social, calling it the correction of “a great injustice.”
US Soccer said it accepted FIFA’s ruling and was pleased that Balogun would be available for the knockout match. The 25-year-old is expected to start after scoring three goals in the tournament, the most by any American player so far.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticized FIFA’s decision, saying his federation was defending the integrity of football rather than simply protecting Belgium’s interests.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino defended the ruling, arguing that his team had already paid a price by playing more than half an hour with 10 players after Balogun’s dismissal, and rejected suggestions that the US had received special treatment.
