FIFA Makes Decision on Belgium's Appeal Over USA Star Folarin Balogun's Eligibility Controversy
President Donald Trump has spoken about his involvement in FIFA's decision to reverse a red card against US soccer player Folarin Balogun. Trump criticized the referee's initial decision and praised FIFA's final ruling. He also discussed the growing popularity of soccer in the US.
FIFA's Appeal Committee denied Belgium's appeal against the decision to suspend Balogun's one-game ban for a red card in a World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The committee stated that the Royal Belgian Football Association had no standing to appeal the decision, as it was not a party to the proceedings.
The decision was made hours before the US faced Belgium in a World Cup match. FIFA said the request was "rendered inadmissible" due to the RBFA's lack of involvement in the case. The RBFA responded by saying it had not received the grounds for the decision or the referee's report, citing a breach of FIFA regulations.
The Belgian federation has informed the US Soccer Federation that it disputes Balogun's eligibility to play, should he be listed on the team sheet. This leaves open the possibility of further action. The US player had been suspended for a match after receiving a direct red card in the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026.
FIFA's Appeal Committee denied Belgium's appeal against the decision to suspend Balogun's one-game ban for a red card in a World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The committee stated that the Royal Belgian Football Association had no standing to appeal the decision, as it was not a party to the proceedings.
The decision was made hours before the US faced Belgium in a World Cup match. FIFA said the request was "rendered inadmissible" due to the RBFA's lack of involvement in the case. The RBFA responded by saying it had not received the grounds for the decision or the referee's report, citing a breach of FIFA regulations.
The Belgian federation has informed the US Soccer Federation that it disputes Balogun's eligibility to play, should he be listed on the team sheet. This leaves open the possibility of further action. The US player had been suspended for a match after receiving a direct red card in the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026.
#News, #USA