Belgium sends strong second statement about FIFA’s suspension of Folarin Balogun’s ban as the story takes a new turn
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has shared a new statement that adds more confusion about FIFA’s choice to pause USA forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for 12 months. This means Balogun can play against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
Belgium will play against co-host USA on July 7, with a lot of drama involving FIFA, Donald Trump, and Balogun. Balogun, who has scored three goals and helped with three assists so far, was supposed to miss the Belgium game after being sent off for a challenge on Tarik Muharemović during the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia on July 2.
But many were upset when FIFA decided to delay the ban for a year, following Article 27 of their Disciplinary Code. FIFA said on July 5: “In line with Article 27, the ban is paused for one year on probation. If Balogun commits a similar offense during this time, the suspension will be enforced immediately, along with any new penalties.”
US President Trump, who is friends with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, praised the decision on his Truth Social account, saying: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.” The Guardian reported Trump called FIFA three times to make sure Balogun could play against Belgium.
As expected, the RBFA was shocked by this news. Their statement said: “The Royal Belgian Football Association is astonished by FIFA’s choice to allow Balogun to play. To protect fairness and all teams’ rights, we are looking into all possible actions.”
On July 6, the RBFA filed an appeal but said FIFA hadn’t given any clear reason for the decision. They explained: “After hearing about FIFA’s move from the media, we asked for a copy of the decision and an explanation. FIFA replied by saying our letter counted as an appeal, a judge was appointed, and we only had a few hours to respond — but didn’t give us any details. According to FIFA’s rules, we should have received a full explanation first. Instead, FIFA made it hard for our appeal to be accepted.
“Also, during a meeting, FIFA removed the part about automatic suspensions from their presentation, which was always there before. We asked why but got no answer. Right now, we still don’t have any official decision or explanation from FIFA, so we have no choice but to question Balogun’s eligibility for the upcoming game.
“No matter what happens in the match, the RBFA is very worried about this situation and will keep fighting for fairness and the spirit of football.”
Earlier on July 6, UEFA, Europe’s football body, also spoke out against FIFA’s move, saying it “crossed a red line” and was “incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” UEFA’s statement explained that a one-match ban after a red card is a clear rule that can’t be skipped, especially during a tournament where other players have served their suspensions.
UEFA said breaking this rule threatens the fairness and trust in the game, and creates a tricky situation since similar cases will now need the same treatment.
If the USA wins against Belgium in Seattle, they will reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.