Belgium is contesting the eligibility of United States forward Folarin Balogun for the knockout stage of the World Cup, raising a dispute that could influence the tournament’s later rounds.
Eligibility controversy erupts
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) says FIFA classified its request for clarification as an inadmissible appeal and never provided a written decision.
After former U.S. President Donald Trump appealed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, world football’s governing body suspended Balogun’s red‑card ban and cleared him to feature in the upcoming match.
The RBFA voiced deep concern over the sequence of events and reaffirmed its commitment to uphold ethical standards and fair competition in the sport.
Balogun was sent off during the group phase, prompting the United States to lodge an appeal that was referred to FIFA, which ultimately decided to lift the suspension.
The episode underscores how political pressure, sporting regulations and governance intersect as national teams vie for World Cup advancement.