Belgium granted right to appeal reversal of American striker's suspension, according to reports
Belgium has been granted the right to appeal FIFA's reversal of US striker Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension, just hours before their World Cup match. The Belgian soccer federation and US Soccer have been asked to submit arguments to the FIFA appeals committee, with a ruling possible before the game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.
Balogun's suspension was initially given after he received a red card in the USA's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but was reversed on Sunday following a personal request from President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The Belgian federation expressed surprise at the decision, describing it as "astonishing" and stating that the suspension should remain in place for a year.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also criticized the decision, saying "we're defending football" and implying that the reversal was unjust. The presence of Balogun, the USA's leading scorer with three goals, is a significant boost to the American team's chances of reaching the quarterfinal round. A decision on the appeal is expected to be made before the match begins.
Balogun's suspension was initially given after he received a red card in the USA's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but was reversed on Sunday following a personal request from President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The Belgian federation expressed surprise at the decision, describing it as "astonishing" and stating that the suspension should remain in place for a year.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also criticized the decision, saying "we're defending football" and implying that the reversal was unjust. The presence of Balogun, the USA's leading scorer with three goals, is a significant boost to the American team's chances of reaching the quarterfinal round. A decision on the appeal is expected to be made before the match begins.
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