The Belgian Football Association has lodged an appeal with FIFA’s Appeal Committee. FIFA, the world football governing body and world cup organiser, has appointed an arbitrator to rule on the case, but it will be a race against time. Belgium play the USA in the final 16 round of the World Cup at Seattle's Lumen Stadium (Washington State) tonight.
Belgium appeals FIFA decision to allow star USA striker Balogun to play, questions player's eligibility
Colin Clapson
Published:
Updated:
The US will probably be able to count on key player Folarin Balogun in the round of 16 against the Red Devils, the Belgian national squad, despite him normally being suspended following a red card. Balogun’s suspension has been lifted in accordance with Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code. This is highly unusual. The American striker has already scored three goals in this World Cup.
According to the New York Times, US President Donald J. Trump telephoned FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the suspension of striker Folarin Balogun. The newspaper reports this on the basis of three separate sources.
The intervention was later confirmed by the president in person.
Belgian Football Association “stunned” and “exploring further action”
The Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) is “stunned” by the decision of FIFA, the world football governing body, to lift the suspension of US striker Balogun.
According to the association, the decision contravenes World Cup regulations. “If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card, they are automatically suspended for their team’s next match,” it states.
The association considered further action. “To safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both during this FIFA World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is exploring all possible options”, a statement read.
The association has now decided to appeal the FIFA decision.
Belgium questions Balogun's right to play
In a statement released only hours before the match the Belgian football association questioned Balogun's right to play.
"At this moment, the KBVB has still not received a decision or any clarification from FIFA regarding this matter. It therefore finds itself compelled to formally contest the eligibility of the player in question for the forthcoming match." "Regardless of the sporting outcome of this match, the KBVB is deeply concerned about the way this matter has been handled. In the coming hours, days and months, it will continue to work to defend the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition and the interests of football as a whole."