FIFA rules Belgium's appeal inadmissible
FIFA has dismissed Belgium's appeal against its decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, clearing the USA striker to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The governing body ruled that the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is not a party to the proceedings and therefore has no standing to appeal.
Background of the controversy
Balogun was sent off for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic during the USA's round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 30, 2026. The red card meant he was initially suspended for the crucial last-16 clash. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee later suspended the ban for a year, a decision that drew criticism from the Belgian FA and the wider football community.
United States President Donald Trump personally spoke to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the case, urging a review. Infantino confirmed the call but insisted the process was independent. The decision to suspend the ban left the Belgian FA 'astonished' and prompted them to explore legal options.
FIFA's official statement
In a statement released hours before the USA-Belgium match, FIFA said: 'The request was rendered inadmissible on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision.' The statement emphasized that the disciplinary committee operates autonomously under FIFA's governance structure.
Belgian FA responds
The RBFA acknowledged the verdict but hinted at further actions. A statement read: 'To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure for a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee's report. Which is a breach of FIFA regulations.'
The RBFA added: 'The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet. This leaves all further actions open.'
Infantino defends independence of judicial bodies
FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the controversy, stating: 'FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them.' He confirmed receiving a call from President Trump but stressed that the case was decided by the competent bodies.
Infantino added: 'I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree. What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them.'
Reaction from the football community
The decision has sparked widespread backlash, with former England international Gary Neville condemning the episode as 'shameful'. The controversy has raised questions about political influence in football governance, though FIFA maintains that its processes remain independent.
