FIFA World Cup Controversy: Balogun's Suspension Lifted Amidst Belgian Protest, Trump Intervention Hinted

FIFA has made a surprising U-turn, allowing striker Folarin Balogun to be available for the US national team in their Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday. Belgium, however, intends to contest this decision.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) plans to challenge the rescinded suspension of American player Folarin Balogun. The RBFA stated in an Instagram post that they are "currently examining all possible options." The Belgians are particularly referencing Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which seemingly prevents such reversals as seen in Balogun's case.

Balogun received a straight red card in the Round of 32. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that they have suspended the initial one-match ban, citing Article 27. This means Balogun is eligible to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium on Tuesday (2:00 AM CET/ARD and MagentaTV). Prior to this, according to The New York Times, US President Donald Trump personally appealed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the suspension.

Trump quickly reacted to the lifting of the suspension, thanking FIFA for "doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!" he wrote on his Truth Social network. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also commented on the expulsion earlier, stating in the White House press room in Washington, "You were treated like crap."

The RBFA expressed its "astonishment" at the decision, relying on Article 66.4, which stipulates that a red card automatically results in a ban for the next match. The Belgian federation also pointed to a circular sent before the start of the World Cup, which highlighted this rule.

Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina (in the 64th minute) after accidentally and unfortunately stepping on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic. He was subsequently handed a one-match suspension. However, according to Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, a penalty can be suspended as a probationary measure.

Cristiano Ronaldo, among others, benefited from such a probationary measure. He was sent off in a World Cup qualifying match against Ireland in November after an elbow to the face of Dara O'Shea. Ronaldo was initially suspended for three matches by FIFA but only missed the subsequent qualifying fixture against Armenia. The remaining matches were suspended for one year on probation.