Belgium appeal Fifa's last-minute decision to lift Balogun's red-card ban before USA clash

Belgium’s Royal Football Association has been granted the right to appeal Fifa’s decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension, with the case unresolved just hours before the United States face Belgium in a World Cup round of 16 fixture at Seattle Stadium on Monday.

Balogun had been set to miss the match after receiving a direct red card, which under standard Fifa disciplinary rules carries an automatic one-game ban. On Sunday, however, Fifa announced the suspension had been lifted, citing Article 27 of its Football Disciplinary Code, which allows for a ban to be served over a probationary period of one year rather than immediately.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) formally lodged an appeal, which Fifa subsequently granted, according to The Athletic. Both the RBFA and US Soccer were reportedly asked to submit their arguments by 5am PT — roughly 12 hours before kick-off. A member of Fifa’s appeals committee, unaffiliated with any federation in Uefa or Concacaf, has been appointed to hear the case, though there is no guarantee a ruling will be delivered before the match begins.

The controversy extended beyond the football pitch, with reports of political involvement. Donald Trump reportedly contacted Fifa president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision, with secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick and other White House officials also said to have been involved. Trump later praised the outcome on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

US Soccer issued a statement welcoming the decision and confirming that Balogun, the team’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals, is expected to start. The 25-year-old striker is currently eligible to play pending the outcome of Belgium’s appeal.

The RBFA responded with a lengthy statement citing disciplinary codes and competition regulations that typically render red card suspensions final and unappealable. “In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this Fifa World Cup and at future editions of the tournament,” the statement read, “the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia set the tone at his pre-match press conference. “I didn’t know the fifth of July had turned into April Fool’s Day,” he said, making clear his frustration at the eleventh-hour uncertainty surrounding one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout ties.