SouthernWorldwide.com – Belgium is expressing strong dissatisfaction after FIFA’s decision to allow USMNT star Folarin Balogun to play in the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) released a statement conveying their astonishment at FIFA’s ruling, which overturns Balogun’s suspension. They contend that this decision contravenes both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the established World Cup regulations.
The RBFA emphasized their commitment to protecting the fair play principles and the rights of all competing teams. They are currently exploring all available avenues to address this matter.
FIFA, however, maintained its stance on the decision. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee officially stated that the automatic suspension for Folarin Balogun has been suspended for a probationary period of one year, as per Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
This ruling means that Balogun, who received a red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, is now eligible to participate in the game against Belgium.
The decision was met with approval from President Trump, who celebrated the reversal on Truth Social. He thanked FIFA for rectifying what he described as a significant injustice and expressed confidence in Balogun’s return and the US team’s performance.
Belgium’s desire to see Balogun sidelined is understandable, given his crucial role for the United States. He currently leads the team with three goals in the tournament.
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being shown a red card in the 64th minute. The decision was made after a VAR review upgraded the initial challenge.
This dismissal immediately ignited discussions among football enthusiasts and experts, with many deeming the punishment excessively severe.
The US team received news of FIFA’s decision while preparing for their training session in the Seattle area on Sunday morning.
Belgium enters the Round of 16 match as the No. 9 ranked team in the FIFA World Rankings. They previously defeated the United States 5-2 in a friendly match in March.
However, the stakes and dynamics of World Cup knockout matches are considerably different.
As the kickoff approaches on Monday night in Seattle, Balogun will be on the field, a scenario Belgium had hoped to avoid.
The RBFA’s statement detailed their concerns: “The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the United States-Belgium match scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m. (Seattle time).”
“FIFA bases its decision on article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the application of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.”
“However, article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all red cards shown earlier during this FIFA World Cup.”
“Moreover, and independently of the above, this decision directly contradicts the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations, as set out in article 10.5:”
“‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), he will be automatically suspended for his team’s next match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.'”
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 circular no. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on May 12, 2026.”
“This rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 match coordination meeting before each game and appears in all workshop presentations dedicated to the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both during this FIFA World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is considering all possible options.”
