FIFA rejects Belgium's appeal over Balogun eligibility

FIFA's appeal committee has definitively dismissed Belgium's challenge regarding Folarin Balogun's eligibility, ending the Belgian Football Association's (URBSFA) protest. The committee ruled the appeal inadmissible, stating Belgium lacked the standing to challenge the decision as they were not part of the initial proceedings.

The URBSFA, while acknowledging the decision, had previously informed the US Soccer Federation that they contested Balogun's eligibility if he appeared on the match sheet. This move put pressure on the US team ahead of their match against Belgium.

Legal experts noted that if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) were to rule in Belgium's favor after the match, the US could face a forfeiture. The Belgian federation also expressed frustration at not yet receiving the grounds for the original disciplinary committee's decision, which commuted Balogun's suspension from a firm one-match ban to a probationary period.

Balogun, an attacker for Monaco, had initially received a one-match suspension for stepping on an opponent's leg. The intervention of US President Donald Trump, who called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card, was confirmed. Infantino stated on X that FIFA's disciplinary bodies operate independently.

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