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Belgium “Astonished” by FIFA’s Suspension of Folarin’s Red Card

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision to suspend a red card suspension for player Folarin Balogun.
  • Balogun received a straight red card for a foul during a match, which would typically result in a one-game ban.
  • FIFA suspended the ban for a probationary period, a move that has prompted an investigation into potential options by Belgian football authorities.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has voiced its "astonishment" over FIFA's decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for USA player Folarin Balogun. Balogun, a striker with Nigerian ancestry, was shown a straight red card for a foul during a recent match, an offense that normally carries an immediate suspension.

In appreciation of the decision to suspend the punishment for the red card, US President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for “reversing a great injustice” in a post on Truth Social.

— Donald TrumpThe US President expressed his gratitude to FIFA for overturning the red card suspension.

However, FIFA announced that Balogun's one-match ban would be suspended for a year. According to Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the suspension's implementation is paused for a probationary period. If Balogun commits a similar offense during this year, the original suspension will be revoked, and he could face additional sanctions.

The Belgian football authorities are reportedly "investigating all potential options" in response to FIFA's announcement. This decision has raised questions and concerns within the Belgian football community regarding the application of disciplinary measures.

Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.

— Donald TrumpA social media post by the US President thanking FIFA for its decision regarding Folarin Balogun's red card.

Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for "reversing a great injustice" via a post on Truth Social, describing the decision as "doing what was right." Trump, known to be a friend of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, expressed his appreciation for the outcome.

astonished

— Royal Belgian Football AssociationThe RBFA's reaction to FIFA's decision to suspend the red card ban for Folarin Balogun.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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