Belgium challenges FIFA's handling of Balogun suspension reversal appeal
Belgium challenges FIFA's procedural handling of Balogun suspension reversal appeal.
Event / Sports
2026 FIFA World Cup Belgium-USA
U.S. President Trump requested FIFA reverse the one-game suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun hours before the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. FIFA granted the reversal, allowing Balogun to play in the critical match. Belgium challenged the decision, alleging procedural manipulation by FIFA.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 7 Jul, 03:52 UTC
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What happened
Belgium federation claims FIFA created procedural obstacles to appeal
The Royal Belgium Football Association issued a statement alleging that FIFA deliberately created procedural obstacles that would result in any appeal being declared inadmissible. The federation said it originally only requested an explanation of the reinstatement process, but FIFA interpreted this as an appeal and appointed a judge, immediately ensuring the appeal would be rejected.
Folarin Balogun is USA's leading scorer in World Cup
Folarin Balogun is the USA's leading scorer in the 2026 World Cup tournament with three goals, giving the American team a significant boost for their round of 16 match against Belgium.
FIFA reverses Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension
FIFA reversed the one-game suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium scheduled for July 6.
Belgium granted right to appeal Balogun suspension reversal
The Belgian soccer federation was granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision to reverse Folarin Balogun's suspension. Both the Belgian federation and U.S. Soccer were asked to submit arguments to the FIFA appeals committee by 8 a.m. ET on July 6, with a potential ruling before the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.
President Trump requests FIFA reconsider Folarin Balogun's suspension
President Donald Trump personally asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reconsider the one-game suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card in the USA's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Belgium federation alleges FIFA removed suspension rules from meeting agenda
The Royal Belgium Football Association alleged that FIFA deliberately removed the section concerning automatic player suspensions from its presentation at the U.S.-Belgium match coordination meeting, breaking from the pattern of all four previous such meetings.
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2 alternative perspectives
Trump requests FIFA reconsider Balogun suspension ahead of World Cup
Trump's request led FIFA to reverse Balogun's suspension, allowing the USA's top World Cup scorer to play.