Wednesday, July 8, 2026

The International Football Federation (FIFA) rejected Belgium's challenge against the eligibility of US national team striker Folarin Balogun to play in the round of 16 match of the World Cup, which took place yesterday.

Football

The decision of FIFA's Appeals Committee came after a formal objection by the Belgian federation against Balogun's participation. Balogun had been sent off during the USA match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, before the international federation decided to suspend the execution of the ban for a probationary period, which allowed the player to play against Belgium today in Seattle.

FIFA announced in an official statement that the Appeals Committee considered the request submitted by the Belgian Football Federation 'inadmissible', explaining that the reason for the rejection was that Belgium was not a party to the proceedings, and therefore did not have the legal standing to challenge the decision.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee had suspended Balogun's one-match ban, which he was set to serve against Belgium, following his red card in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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