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FIFA rejected Belgium’s appeal over the decision to suspend USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for a red card in a round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA’s appeals committee issued a statement hours before kickoff between the United States and Belgium.
“The FIFA Appeals Committee has ruled inadmissible a request filed by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) in connection with the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend the one-match suspension imposed on USA international Folarin Balogun following his dismissal for a straight red card during the July 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 match between the USA and Herzegovina. 2026 at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium,” said FIFA. “The chairman of FIFA’s appeals committee, Neil Eggleston (from the US), was not involved in the decision.
“The request was refused on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and as such has no standing to appeal the decision.”
The RBFA reacted after the decision was made.
“To date, the RBFA has still not received any justification for this decision, nor has it received the information it has requested since the start of this procedure, id est a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee’s report. Which is a breach of FIFA rules,” the federation said.
“The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it disputes the player’s eligibility if the player is on the referee’s team sheet. This leaves open any further action.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
