FIFA has made its final decision on Folarin Balogun’s red card after Belgium’s appeal, and a statement has been released.
FIFA has made a call on whether Folarin Balogun will play for the USA in their World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Tuesday, July 7.
Balogun, who has scored three goals and helped set up three more for the USA in the tournament, was sent off during their 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2. At first, he received a one-match suspension, meaning he would miss the game against Belgium.
But on Sunday, July 5, FIFA decided to pause the suspension for 12 months, allowing Balogun to play in the next match. They did this based on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
FIFA said in a statement: “According to Article 27, the suspension is put on hold for a one-year probation. If Balogun breaks similar rules during this time, the suspension will be enforced, along with any other penalties.”
US President Donald Trump shared his thoughts on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for “doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!”
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) was shocked by the decision and responded with two strong statements. The second one, on Monday, July 6, said they hadn’t been given any details or reasons for FIFA’s choice. Belgium also appealed the decision.
Their statement said: “FIFA only sent a letter saying this was considered an appeal and that they had little time to respond. But FIFA didn’t give any explanations. Their own rules say that the decision must be explained first. The RBFA just wanted answers, but FIFA made the appeal process difficult.”
UEFA criticized FIFA’s decision too, saying it crossed a “red line” and calling the move “hard to understand and unfair.”
Trump later said he asked FIFA to review the case during a press event. He explained, “I talked to a very respected person who really pushed for this in the US. I’m the one who got them to act, not Biden. If things had gone normal, I would have been retired by now.”
On Monday evening, FIFA gave a final decision, confirming Balogun can play in the round of 16. They said Belgium has no right to appeal since they are not part of the case.
The RBFA replied again, still questioning Balogun’s eligibility. They said, “We haven’t received any reasons or reports explaining the decision, which goes against FIFA rules. We’ve told the US Soccer Federation that we don’t accept Balogun playing if he’s listed on the team sheet. We will consider all options.”
If the USA beats Belgium in Seattle, it will be their first time reaching the World Cup quarter-finals since 2002.