Balogun cleared for Belgium clash following dismissal of Belgium’s appeal
FIFA has denied Belgium’s appeal over Folarin Balogun’s overturned suspension, prompting the Belgian FA to threaten a formal post-match eligibility protest if the forward plays.
The FIFA Appeal Committee has officially rejected the Royal Belgian Football Association’s challenge against Folarin Balogun’s eligibility, clearing the American striker to play in Monday’s knockout clash.
In a swiftly issued verdict signed by committee member Salman Al-Ansari, soccer’s governing body declared the Belgian protest legally inadmissible.
The decision upholds the initial, highly controversial ruling that deferred Balogun’s automatic red card suspension.
Fuming Belgian officials disclosed that they have received no formal justification or referee reports from FIFA regarding the sudden reprieve.
Consequently, the RBFA has formally notified US Soccer that they will officially contest Balogun’s eligibility immediately after the game if he features. This ongoing regulatory standoff leaves additional legal actions open, raising the stakes for a potential post-match default challenge.
