FIFA overturns Balogun ban, Belgian federation fumes
FIFA abruptly reversed the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun, permitting him to feature against Belgium in the Euro 2024 knockout stage after he had been shown a red card in the previous round versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision was taken on the basis of article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code.
Article 27 allows the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to temporarily lift a ban provided the player does not commit a comparable offence within a set period. If a similar breach occurs, the suspension can be reinstated.
According to The New York Times, former US President Donald Trump phoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a conversation that the newspaper suggests underpinned the reversal.
Trump later posted on his Truth Social platform expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
The Belgian Football Association issued an immediate statement denouncing the move and lodged an appeal against FIFA's ruling.
FIFA has appointed an arbitrator to review the case, with the expectation of a swift decision.
Peter Vandenbempt said, "This manoeuvre fits perfectly with the image I have of FIFA as an organisation and its great leader Gianni Infantino. It is a person without moral and ethical awareness, who has no regard for any form of sportsmanship."
He added, "In principle you should be unimaginably angry. It is a slap in the face of the international football community, a middle finger to all nations that have faced similar situations."
The United States will meet Belgium at 02:00 on 7 July, as listed by the broadcaster.
The episode highlights growing concerns over governance and political influence within FIFA, and may prompt further scrutiny of disciplinary procedures ahead of future tournaments.