FIFA has dismissed Belgium's appeal against its decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, clearing the USA striker to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) had contested the eligibility of Balogun, who was sent off in the USA's round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Background of the Controversy
Balogun received a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic during the USA's 3-1 win on June 30. Initially, the suspension meant he would miss the crucial last-16 clash with Belgium. However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee later suspended the ban for one year, allowing Balogun to play. The decision came after US President Donald Trump personally spoke to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging a review of the case.
The RBFA expressed 'astonishment' at the decision and explored legal options, leading to the appeal that FIFA has now rejected.
FIFA's Official Statement
In a statement released hours before the USA-Belgium match, FIFA confirmed: 'The request was rendered inadmissible on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision.' The statement further noted that the decision was made by the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
RBFA's Response
The RBFA acknowledged the verdict but hinted at further actions. A statement read: 'To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure for a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee's report. Which is a breach of FIFA regulations.' The RBFA has informed the US Soccer Federation that it contests Balogun's eligibility if he appears on the team sheet, leaving 'all further actions open.'
Infantino Addresses Trump Call
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed he received a call from President Trump regarding Balogun's case but insisted the process remained independent. 'Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues,' Infantino said in a statement.
He added: 'During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.'
Reactions from the Football Community
The decision to suspend Balogun's ban drew fierce criticism from fans and pundits. Former England international Gary Neville condemned the episode as 'shameful.' The controversy has raised questions about the independence of FIFA's judicial bodies and the influence of external political pressure.
As the USA faced Belgium on July 6, Balogun was cleared to play at Seattle Stadium, with the match carrying high stakes for both teams.
