The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun continues just hours before the World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium. FIFA rejected the appeal filed by the Royal Belgian Football Association, which sought to uphold the suspension of the U.S. forward following the red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The ruling upholds the decision made by world soccer’s governing body, meaning Balogun is available for Monday’s match. FIFA’s response also leaves open a debate that has taken on a strong political dimension.
Folarin Balogun will remain available for the United States
The Belgian federation publicly expressed its surprise when FIFA decided to overturn the automatic suspension that normally accompanies a red card. In response to that decision, the federation filed an appeal with the aim of preventing the forward from playing.
However, FIFA ruled the request inadmissible. The organization explained that the Belgian federation was not a party to the disciplinary proceedings and, for that reason, lacked standing to challenge the decision. The decision was announced approximately seven hours before the start of the match.
Photo:ExamediaFIFA also clarified that Neil Eggleston, chairman of the Appeals Committee, did not participate in the review of the case.
Belgium’s appeal and Donald Trump’s intervention
The situation gained further attention after President Donald Trump confirmed that he had spoken with Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card.
Speaking from the Oval Office, he explained that he believed the action that led to the red card did not warrant such a penalty and asked that the case be reviewed. His statements fueled the debate surrounding a decision that was already generating numerous reactions within the tournament.
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With FIFA’s decision now official, the focus returns to the field, where Balogun will be able to take part in a match surrounded by controversy that has transcended the realm of sports.
