🚨 Belgian FA reacts after Balogun's card is overturned
· Yahoo Sports
The controversy is growing.
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"Pursuant to article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the application of the automatic suspension of American player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year," the FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained in an official statement published on the governing body's website.
A controversial decision welcomed by the White House on X and by Donald Trump on his social network, Truth.
The Belgian Football Federation naturally responded through a scathing statement:Â
"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the United States-Belgium match scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m. (Seattle time).
FIFA bases its decision on article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the application of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
However, article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all red cards shown earlier during this FIFA World Cup.
Moreover, and independently of the above, this decision directly contradicts the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations, as set out in article 10.5:
‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), he will be automatically suspended for his team’s next match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’
The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 circular no. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on May 12, 2026.
This rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 match coordination meeting before each game and appears in all workshop presentations dedicated to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve 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 considering all possible options."
Tense atmosphere...
As a reminder, the Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium is scheduled for the night from Monday to Tuesday at 2 a.m. French time.Â
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.