Belgium federation reportedly wins right to appeal Balogun red card ban

It was reported on Monday that the Belgian football federation had been given the right to appeal FIFA’s decision to suspend its red card ban on US World Cup star Folarin Balogun.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has demanded a full explanation from FIFA regarding the USA’s decision to suspend the red card ban on World Cup star Folarin Balogun. Athletic It was reported Monday. According to the report, the RBFA is also requesting a report from FIFA’s board of directors.

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USA and Belgium will start their Round of 16 match in Seattle at 20:00.

FIFA decided to lift Balogun’s suspension on Sunday. It was seen that the red card seen in the World Cup for the first time since 1962 did not result in a penalty. After VAR review, Balogun received a red card for stepping on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarık Muharemovic’s ankle.

The RBFA said it was “surprised” by this and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA’s decision.

“I didn’t know at the FIFA offices that July 5 was April 1 in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator. “The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team. It defends football in general, its honesty and morality. I think it is the first time in the history of the World Cup that such a decision is made.”

USA’s Folarin Balogun is consoled by teammates Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah after receiving a red card in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Carlos Barria/Reuters via Imagn Images)

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Garcia did not respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or whether President Donald Trump influenced FIFA’s decision.

“To protect the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to preserve the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and in future versions of the tournament, the RBFA is exploring all potential options,” the RBFA said.

A source speaking to Fox News said that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked the organization to review the red card.

“The practice of postponing the match has been suspended for a one-year trial period,” FIFA said. “If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of a similar nature and severity during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked and sanctions will be imposed, without prejudice to the additional sanctions imposed for the new violation.”

US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised FIFA’s move.

Folarin Balogun of the US men’s national team speaks to the media before training on July 3, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)

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“We received a completely unfair decision against Bosnia and Herzegovina and were penalized enough to play with 10 men for 30 minutes,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.