FIFA’s move leaves RBFA scrambling over Balogun’s eligibility

At the match coordination meeting, FIFA removed the slide on automatic player suspensions from its presentation. The slide had featured in every briefing before the first four fixtures. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) confirmed on Monday that it had received no official explanation from FIFA regarding the lifting of striker Folarin Balogun’s automatic suspension. The federation first spoke out on Sunday, stressing that it had learned of the decision only through the media, not via an official FIFA communication. The RBFA described FIFA’s treatment of its requests for clarity as unacceptable. It added that it had "no choice" but to challenge Balogun’s eligibility for the upcoming match. The federation sent a letter to FIFA requesting a copy of the decision, an explanation of the procedure followed, and the opportunity to state its position on the applicable regulations. FIFA replied by classifying the correspondence as an appeal, appointing a judge, and giving the RBFA just hours to complete the appeal paperwork.

FIFA overturns Balogun ban, Belgian federation fumes

FIFA’s own regulations require that a reasoned decision be communicated to the appealing party before an appeal can be deemed admissible. Yet the RBFA’s legitimate request for information was rebranded as an appeal and engineered to be declared inadmissible. During the same period, FIFA declined to respond to the Belgian federation’s legitimate enquiries. At the match coordination meeting, FIFA also removed the section on automatic player suspensions from its presentation—a section that had been included in every briefing ahead of the first four matches. The RBFA asked FIFA, both verbally and in writing, why the slide had been omitted. It received no response.

KNVB joins UEFA in condemning FIFA over Balogun red card reversal

As matters stand, the RBFA says it has still not received FIFA’s decision or any explanation in the Balogun case. It insists it has no alternative but to contest the player’s eligibility for the upcoming fixture. The federation added that, regardless of the match’s sporting outcome, it remains deeply concerned by the handling of the affair and will continue to defend the principles of ethics, sporting fairness, and the broader interests of football in the weeks and months ahead.