FIFA Declares Belgium's Appeal Over Balogun's Red Card Inadmissible Amidst Criticism

FIFA's Appeals Committee has dismissed Belgium's attempt to reinstate the red card suspension for American forward Folarin Balogun, ruling the appeal "inadmissible." The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) had sought to overturn the decision to annul the expulsion, which occurred during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and does not have the legitimacy to appeal the decision.

The initial removal of Balogun's red card followed a request for review by the U.S. government, prompting FIFA to re-examine the incident. The Appeals Committee cited that the RBFA lacked the legitimacy to appeal the decision, as they were not a party to the proceedings. This ruling effectively confirms that Balogun will be eligible to play against Belgium.

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I asked for a reconsideration because I didn't think it was a foul.

Balogun received a direct red card for an offense during the match, a decision that drew immediate criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump stated he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the call, which he deemed "unfair" and "suspicious." According to FIFA's Disciplinary Regulations, direct red cards typically result in an automatic suspension that cannot be appealed.

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FIFA crossed a red line.

The FIFA decision and the U.S. government's involvement have sparked international backlash. UEFA, national teams, and the European Union have voiced concerns, with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stating FIFA "crossed a red line." EU Commissioner for Sport Glen Micallef emphasized that sporting decisions should remain within the purview of sports bodies, free from political influence, to maintain the integrity of competitions.

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Decisions on sporting rules and sporting matters belong to sporting bodies, not to politicians. Influencing sporting decisions would undermine the autonomy of sport.