FIFA, Belgium and Folarin Balogun
Monday before USA face Belgium
FIFA has ruled Belgium’s request over Folarin Balogun’s suspended red-card ban inadmissible, keeping the USMNT striker eligible for the World Cup last-16 tie. The governing body said Belgium had no standing to appeal the disciplinary decision.
The ruling followed Donald Trump confirming he asked Gianni Infantino to review the case, while Infantino insisted FIFA’s judicial bodies act independently. Belgium, UEFA and several pundits criticised the decision, saying it undermines consistency and sporting integrity.