Belgium Weighs Options After FIFA Clears Balogun for Round-of-16 Match Despite 1-Game Ban
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 5
Belgium Weighs Options After FIFA Clears Balogun for Round-of-16 Match Despite 1-Game Ban
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 5
Summary
Belgium said it is investigating “all potential options” after FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun’s automatic 1-game suspension and cleared the U.S. striker for Monday’s World Cup round-of-16 meeting in Seattle.
FIFA had announced Sunday that Balogun’s ban would be adjusted to probation, even though he was sent off after VAR review in the United States’ 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Rudi Garcia called the ruling unprecedented and likened it to an April Fools’ joke, while Thibaut Courtois said the late decision left Belgium less time to prepare mentally.
Criticism spread beyond Belgium, with Norway coach Ståle Solbakken calling it a “bad” decision for the World Cup and warning any U.S. win could be overshadowed if Balogun proves decisive.