Belgium has been allowed to appeal FIFA’s decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun for one game, according to The Athletic.Balogun scheduled to miss Team USA fifa world cup After receiving a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he was eliminated in the last 16 against Belgium, which would normally have served him an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA announced a “suspended one-match ban” on Sunday, leaving the striker available for selection.The decision drew criticism from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which said it was “surprised” and announced that it was exploring “all possible options”.According to The Athletic, the RBFA officially appealed to FIFA and the request has been accepted. Belgium and the United States were reportedly given until 5 a.m. to submit arguments Pacific time, 12 hours before scheduled tipoff at Seattle Stadium.The case will now be heard by a member of FIFA’s appeals committee who is not affiliated with UEFA or CONCACAF, the report said.It is possible that a ruling will be made before the round of 16 begins, but Belgian football authorities have reportedly given no guarantees.As things stand, Balogun is still eligible to participate in the game and is expected to start. The 25-year-old was the United States’ leading scorer at the World Cup with three goals, including the game-winner in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.Balogun was subsequently shown a red card following a VAR review and is expected to be banned for one match until FIFA suspends the ban on Sunday.U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the matter, which also involved Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other White House officials. Trump praised the decision in a Truth Society post, writing: “Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a huge injustice!”
