By Daily Review Online
The controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun’s eligibility at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken another twist after Belgium secured the right to appeal FIFA’s decision to overturn the forward’s one-match suspension.
According to reports, Belgian football officials successfully petitioned FIFA to review its ruling, paving the way for a member of FIFA’s Appeals Committee—who is not affiliated with either UEFA or CONCACAF—to hear the case.
Belgium and the United States Soccer Federation were reportedly instructed to submit their arguments ahead of the appeal, with a decision potentially expected before the teams’ Round of 16 fixtures. However, Belgian officials have reportedly received no assurance that a verdict will be delivered before kickoff.
It remains unclear whether the appeal could result in Balogun’s suspension being reinstated.
The development follows FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban that followed Balogun’s red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia in the previous round.
The decision sparked strong criticism from UEFA, which accused FIFA of undermining the integrity of the competition.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said FIFA had “crossed a red line” by failing to enforce the mandatory suspension, arguing that football depends on the consistent application of its rules to ensure fairness and transparency.
The European governing body warned that the ruling could create an undesirable precedent for the remainder of the World Cup, insisting that similar disciplinary cases would now require equal treatment.
UEFA further described FIFA’s decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” warning that uncertainty over the enforcement of regulations could damage the credibility of both the World Cup and the sport as a whole.
Balogun was sent off after a VAR review ruled that his challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović amounted to serious foul play. Referee Raphael Claus initially allowed play to continue before consulting the pitch-side monitor and issuing a red card.
The dismissal generated widespread debate, with many observers arguing that slow-motion replays exaggerated the severity of the challenge and that Balogun had no clear intent to commit a dangerous foul. The appeal process will now determine whether FIFA’s earlier decision allowing the striker to continue playing will stand.