Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Belgium granted right to appeal against FIFA's Folarin Balogun ban decision
Sources briefed on the matter, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, have now told The Athletic the federation has now formally written to FIFA to appeal the matter, and the right to appeal has been granted. Both U.S. Soccer and the Belgian federation were asked to make submissions by 5am PST on Monday morning, which has exasperated the Belgians who have not received the decision by FIFA to review, as it is not made public.
A member of the FIFA appeals committee – who does not represent a federation in either UEFA or CONCACAF, so as to avoid any potential conflict of interest – has been selected to hear the case.
Submissions must now be made by Monday morning, with a ruling possible before the game, but Belgium have not been provided with any guarantees by FIFA that this will be the case. It would be extraordinary at this stage if FIFA were to change their position for a second time, with Balogun under a one game ban between Wednesday night until Sunday morning, until FIFA suddenly suspended the one match ban. It is unclear whether the appeal is merely procedural or if it has a genuine chance of moving the goalposts once more ahead of a huge knockout game at a World Cup.
The Athletic had already reported that Belgium has requested the full rationale behind the decision to lift Balogun’s suspension, as well as the report from FIFA’s refereeing body. FIFA’s disciplinary committee can decide against sharing its rationale
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7424790/2026/07/06/folarin-balogun-red-belgium-explanation/
A member of the FIFA appeals committee – who does not represent a federation in either UEFA or CONCACAF, so as to avoid any potential conflict of interest – has been selected to hear the case.
Submissions must now be made by Monday morning, with a ruling possible before the game, but Belgium have not been provided with any guarantees by FIFA that this will be the case. It would be extraordinary at this stage if FIFA were to change their position for a second time, with Balogun under a one game ban between Wednesday night until Sunday morning, until FIFA suddenly suspended the one match ban. It is unclear whether the appeal is merely procedural or if it has a genuine chance of moving the goalposts once more ahead of a huge knockout game at a World Cup.
The Athletic had already reported that Belgium has requested the full rationale behind the decision to lift Balogun’s suspension, as well as the report from FIFA’s refereeing body. FIFA’s disciplinary committee can decide against sharing its rationale
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7424790/2026/07/06/folarin-balogun-red-belgium-explanation/
Integrity of game at stake over Fifa Balogun decision - Uefa
Uefa has strongly criticised Fifa's shock decision not to uphold Folarin Balogun's automatic ban at this World Cup, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable".
United States striker Balogun, who was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina, should have served a suspension for the last-16 tie against Belgium (Tuesday 01:00 BST).
But Fifa opted not to enforce an immediate sanction on the 25-year-old, meaning the co-hosts' leading goalscorer will be available to play.
Uefa said that intervening to effectively cancel a suspension at a tournament "crossed a red line".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5yzzd73871o
Uefa has strongly criticised Fifa's shock decision not to uphold Folarin Balogun's automatic ban at this World Cup, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable".
United States striker Balogun, who was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina, should have served a suspension for the last-16 tie against Belgium (Tuesday 01:00 BST).
But Fifa opted not to enforce an immediate sanction on the 25-year-old, meaning the co-hosts' leading goalscorer will be available to play.
Uefa said that intervening to effectively cancel a suspension at a tournament "crossed a red line".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5yzzd73871o
(Uefa is the European body for football)