The Belgian federation will reportedly win the right to appeal against Balogun’s red card ban
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
The Belgian Football Association on Monday was reportedly given the authority to challenge FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card punishment given to USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has requested a full explanation from FIFA for its decision to suspend the suspension of USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun, reported The Athletic on Monday. The RBFA is also requesting a report from governing body FIFA, according to the report.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DOD NOT @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Folarin Balogun of the US celebrates scoring his first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
The US and Belgium begin their Round of 16 match in Seattle at 8 pm ET.
FIFA made its decision to lift Balogun’s suspension on Sunday. It seems that it was the first time since 1962 that a red card during the World Cup did not lead to the suspension of the matches. Balogun first received a red card for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic after a VAR review.
The RBFA said it was “surprised” and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia scoffed at FIFA’s decision.
“I didn’t know that in the FIFA offices the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator. “The Belgian federation does not protect itself, it does not protect the national team. It protects football in general, it protects its integrity, its behavior. I think it is the first time in the history of the World Cup that there has been a decision like this.”
Folarin Balogun of the US is comforted by teammates Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah after receiving a red card during 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)
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Garcia did not respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or whether he thought President Donald Trump had any influence on FIFA’s action.
“In order to protect the legal rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our game, at this FIFA World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all possible avenues,” the RBFA said.
Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask the organization to review the red card, a source told Fox News.
“The implementation of the match suspension has been suspended for a one-year trial period,” announced FIFA. “If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of similar nature and gravity during the probation period, the suspension shall be revoked and the penalty imposed without prejudice to any additional penalty imposed for violation of the new law.”
American coach Mauricio Pochettino applauded FIFA’s action.
Folarin Balogun of the US men’s national team speaks to the media before training in Seattle, Washington, on July 3, 2026. (Steven Bhisig / Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina to play with 10 men (for 30 minutes) with a decision that was totally unfair,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
