Belgium has been granted permission to appeal FIFA’s decision to suspend United States international Folarin Balogun’s one-time ban, according to a report in The Athletic.Balogun had missed the United States. FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium after receiving a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a dismissal that usually amounts to a one-match suspension. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the “one-match ban has been suspended,” giving the player a choice.The decision sparked criticism from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which said it was “surprised” and announced it was exploring “all options”.According to The Athletic, the RBFA appealed to FIFA, and the appeal was accepted. Belgium and the United States are said to have been asked to submit their arguments by 5 am PT, 12 hours before kickoff at Seattle Stadium.The report says the case will be heard by a member of FIFA’s appeals committee who has no ties to UEFA or CONCACAF.It is possible that a decision could be made before the Round of 16 matches begin – but Belgian football officials have not been confirmed.As things stand, Balogun remains eligible to play and is expected to start. The 25-year-old is the United States’ leading scorer at the World Cup with three goals, including the one in the 32-match win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.Balogun was later shown a red card after a VAR review and is expected to be suspended for one match until FIFA lifts the ban on Sunday.US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the matter, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other White House officials were also involved. Trump praised the decision in a Social Truth post, writing, “Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and ending a great injustice!”
