Belgium has been granted the right to appeal Fifa’s contentious decision to suspend the one‑match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, casting a shadow over Monday’s round of 16 fixture. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) formally lodged the appeal after Fifa announced on Sunday that the automatic suspension for Balogun’s straight red card would be suspended for a one‑year probationary period, citing Article 27 FDC on its website.
Balogun, 25, had been due to miss the match after receiving a direct red card, which typically carries an automatic one‑match ban. But Fifa’s intervention prompted an immediate backlash from Belgium and its politicians, who accused the world governing body of bowing to political pressure after reports that Donald Trump contacted Fifa president Gianni Infantino to request a review. Secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick and other White House officials were also said to be involved. Trump later praised the decision on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
“Belgium granted appeal against Fifa's decision to clear Folarin Balogun's ban for World Cup clash after Trump intervention.”
Both the RBFA and US Soccer were asked to submit their arguments by 5 am PT, just 12 hours before the scheduled kick‑off at Seattle Stadium. A member of Fifa’s appeals committee, unaffiliated with any federation in Uefa or Concacaf, has been appointed to hear the case, though there is no guarantee a ruling will be made before the match.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia began his pre‑match press conference by expressing disbelief. “I didn’t know the fifth of July had turned into April Fool’s Day,” he remarked.
The RBFA released a lengthy statement decrying the decision, citing various disciplinary codes and competition regulations that typically render red card decisions final. “In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this Fifa World Cup and at future editions of the tournament,” the statement concluded, “the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”
US Soccer issued a statement accepting the decision, expressing pleasure that Balogun – the team’s top scorer in the World Cup with three goals – would be available and expected to start. Politicians across the political spectrum in Belgium blasted the decision, with some accusing Fifa of caving to Trump. Whether the appeals committee will rule before Monday night’s kick‑off remains uncertain, leaving the controversy unresolved as the teams prepare to face off.