Belgium has been granted the right to appeal a decision by FIFA regarding the suspension of a one-game ban for Folarin Balogun. This development occurred less than 24 hours before the team’s round of 16 match against the United States.
Despite receiving a red card in a previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the USMNT striker is now cleared to play against Belgium. This decision followed an intervention that involved U.S. President Donald Trump, government officials, U.S. Soccer, and a legal team.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed its astonishment at FIFA‘s decision to suspend the ban, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The association stated that the move was in “direct contradiction” of competition regulations and indicated it is exploring “all potential options.”
Appeal Process Underway
Sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that the Belgian federation formally wrote to FIFA to appeal the matter, and the right to appeal has been granted. Both U.S. Soccer and the Belgian federation were asked to submit their arguments by Monday morning.
This request has caused frustration for the Belgians, who have not received FIFA‘s decision for review, as it has not been made public. A member of the FIFA appeals committee, chosen to avoid conflicts of interest by not representing a federation from UEFA or CONCACAF, has been selected to hear the case.
Submissions are due by Monday morning, with a ruling potentially made before the match. However, FIFA has not guaranteed Belgium that a decision will be reached in time. The Belgian federation had previously requested the full reasoning behind the decision to lift Balogun’s suspension, as well as the report from FIFA’s refereeing body, though FIFA’s disciplinary committee can choose not to share its rationale.
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino defended FIFA’s decision, asserting that justice had been served regarding a red card he believed was unwarranted. He acknowledged Belgium’s perspective but maintained that the United States was the party harmed by playing a significant portion of a World Cup knockout match with a man down.
Coach Garcia Questions Integrity
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia commented on the situation, humorously suggesting he initially wondered if it was an April Fools’ prank. He highlighted that many observers are now questioning the integrity of FIFA’s competition.
Garcia stated in a news conference that the Belgian federation is not only defending itself and the national team but also the integrity and ethics of football in general. He noted that this might be the first time such a decision has been made in World Cup history.
The USMNT’s last-16 tie against Belgium is scheduled to kick off at 5pm PT (8pm ET) at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday, with Balogun currently permitted to play.
Separately, England secured a 3-2 victory over Mexico at Estadio Azteca, advancing to the quarterfinals. Jude Bellingham scored two goals in the first half, and Harry Kane converted a penalty to restore England’s two-goal lead after Jarell Quansah was sent off. England will now face Norway on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Julián Quiñones scored for El Tri in the 42nd minute. Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty for Mexico after Kane committed a foul, bringing the score to 3-2. Mexico’s goalkeeper Raúl Rangel also conceded a penalty. England’s coach Thomas Tuchel praised his team’s mentality, especially playing with 10 men at altitude.
Mexico has not reached the World Cup quarterfinals since hosting in 1986, having lost in the round of 16 eight times since then. The match at Estadio Azteca, which sits 7,300 feet above sea level, was delayed by an hour due to a thunderstorm.
Source: nytimes.com