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The Belgian football federation on Monday reportedly won the right to appeal FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card ban given to American World Cup star Folarin Balogun.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has demanded a full explanation from FIFA over its decision to suspend the red card ban imposed on American World Cup star Folarin Balogun, The Athletic reported on Monday. The URBSFA is also requesting a report from the FIFA governing body, according to the report.
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USA’s Folarin Balogun celebrates his first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
The United States and Belgium begin their Round of 16 match in Seattle at 8 p.m. ET.
FIFA made the decision to lift Balogun’s suspension on Sunday. It was the first time since 1962 that a red card at a World Cup did not result in a suspension. Balogun was initially shown a red card for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic following a VAR review.
The URBSFA said it was “surprised” and Belgian coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA’s decision.
“I didn’t know that in the FIFA offices July 5 was April first in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator. “The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team. It defends football in general, it defends its integrity, its ethics. I think it is the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision.”
American Folarin Balogun is consoled by teammates Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah after receiving a red card during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Carlos Barria/Reuters via Imagn Images)
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Garcia did not respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or whether he believed President Donald Trump had had an impact on FIFA’s action.
“In order 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 URBSFA is studying all possible options,” the URBSFA said.
Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask the organization to review the red card, a source told PK Press Club.
“The application of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” announced FIFA. “If Folarin Balogun commits another offense of similar nature and seriousness during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked and the sanction applied without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new offense.”
American coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s decision.
Folarin Balogun of the United States men’s national team speaks to the media before practice in Seattle, Washington, July 3, 2026. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)
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“We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina to play ten men (for) 30 minutes, a completely unfair decision,” he said.
