Belgium Appeals FIFA Reinstatement of 1-Game Balogun Ban Before U.S. World Cup Clash
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 6
Belgium Appeals FIFA Reinstatement of 1-Game Balogun Ban Before U.S. World Cup Clash
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 6
Summary
The Royal Belgian Football Association has appealed FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension, putting fresh uncertainty over his availability for the U.S.-Belgium World Cup match.
FIFA reversed the ban on Sunday after Balogun — the top scorer for the United States — had been sent off last week, a move that stunned the soccer world.
Belgium’s federation, described as astonished by the ruling, has sought a full explanation and report from FIFA, arguing the decision cuts against fair-play principles.
The dispute has drawn wider attention because President Trump was reported to have influenced the review, turning a disciplinary call into a broader political flashpoint around the tournament.