FIFA's Balogun call sparks fury: Garcia brands it a 1 April joke

The Belgian Football Association reacted furiously to FIFA’s decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Belgium face the United States in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday. FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun’s one-match ban has been suspended, meaning the American striker will be available for selection. The decision followed a VAR review that saw Balogun sent off in the previous round. Belgian head coach Rudi Garcia expressed disbelief when informed of the ruling. “I didn’t know that 5 July at the World Cup is actually 1 April,” Garcia said during a press conference. “It feels like an April Fools’ joke.” He stressed that Belgium’s protest extends beyond the national team’s interests. “We are not just defending the national team or the federation,” Garcia said. “We are defending football.”

FIFA rejects Belgium’s appeal over Balogun’s suspension

The Belgian FA had earlier described itself as “stunned” by FIFA’s decision and said it is examining all possible follow-up actions. In a statement, the federation argued that the ruling contradicts FIFA’s own regulations, which state that a red card automatically results in a suspension. FIFA’s move has created a stark divide: while the world governing body has intervened to allow Balogun to play, Belgium insists the rules must be applied uniformly. The outcome of the decision could influence how future disciplinary cases are handled at the tournament.

FIFA overturns Balogun ban, Belgian federation fumes

The round-of-16 clash between Belgium and the United States is scheduled for Monday, with Balogun’s availability adding a new layer of controversy to the fixture.