Belgium Consider Options After FIFA Clears Balogun for World Cup Knockout Match

Belgium Consider Options After FIFA Clears Balogun for World Cup Knockout Match

By Niyi Busari 

Belgium have criticised FIFA's decision to make United States striker Folarin Balogun eligible for Monday's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 fixture, arguing that the ruling is inconsistent with the tournament's disciplinary regulations, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was "astonished" by FIFA's decision to suspend the enforcement of Balogun's one-match ban following his red card.

The Belgian federation acknowledged that FIFA based its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to suspend the enforcement of a disciplinary sanction.

However, the RBFA argued that Article 66.4 of the same disciplinary code clearly states that any player sent off with a red card must automatically serve a suspension in their team's next match.

According to the federation, the automatic suspension rule has been applied consistently throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup to every player dismissed with a red card.

Belgium further contended that FIFA's decision is also at odds with Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, which stipulates that any player or team official sent off—either through a straight red card or after receiving a second caution—is automatically suspended for their team's subsequent match, while leaving room for additional disciplinary measures where necessary.

The RBFA added that the regulation was reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, distributed to all participating member associations on May 12, 2026, and has been reiterated during pre-match coordination meetings and tournament workshops.

"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 RBFA is investigating all potential options," the federation said.

Balogun is now expected to feature for the United States against Belgium in Monday's Round of 16 encounter after FIFA suspended the enforcement of his disciplinary sanction, a decision that has generated significant debate ahead of the knockout tie.

FIFA has yet to publicly respond to Belgium's objections.