Belgium Presses FIFA for Balogun Ban Explanation After 4-1 Win Over U.S.
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
Belgium Presses FIFA for Balogun Ban Explanation After 4-1 Win Over U.S.
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
Summary
The Royal Belgian Football Association said Tuesday it will keep pressing FIFA to explain why Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban was suspended before Belgium’s 4-1 round-of-16 win over the United States.
Balogun had been sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a red card that ordinarily brings a minimum one-match ban that FIFA rules say cannot be appealed.
FIFA announced the suspension Sunday, a day before the match, after Donald Trump said he had called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review; FIFA says its disciplinary body acted independently.
Belgium’s attempt to challenge Balogun’s eligibility was rejected because FIFA said the federation had no standing, deepening criticism that the process lacked transparency and equal treatment.
The dispute now shadows Belgium’s run into Friday’s quarterfinal against Spain in Los Angeles, even after UEFA said FIFA had crossed a “red line.”