FIFA gives Belgium deadline over Balogun eligibility dispute

FIFA broke its silence this morning by issuing Belgium an ultimatum to present arguments by 05:00 local time (14:00 Belgian time) on the eligibility of striker Folarin Balogun for the upcoming United States‑Belgium match, after the world body lifted his suspension despite the United States being unable to appeal the red‑card ruling from the Bosnia game. Phones on both sides of the Atlantic glowed red overnight. The White House, FIFA officials and the Belgian delegation are all on edge about whether Folarin Balogun can feature in the United States‑Belgium fixture. The United States were unable to appeal the suspension imposed after Balogun received a red card against Bosnia. Nevertheless, FIFA overturned the ban on the AS Monaco striker, prompting the Belgian Football Association to issue a statement denouncing the regulatory inconsistency.

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The Belgian federation says it has not yet received the formal decision that lifted Balogun’s suspension, nor the accompanying justification. It also notes that the referee’s report from the United States‑Bosnia match, which excluded Balogun, remains unavailable despite repeated requests. Gianni Infantino has named a Qatari arbitrator to assess the disciplinary committee’s ruling. The arbitrator will examine the grounds of the suspension lift. The appointment aims to ensure an impartial review under FIFA’s statutes.

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Belgian officials have until 05:00 local time (14:00 Belgian time) to submit their arguments. The United States‑Belgium encounter is scheduled for 02:00 on 7 July, and the outcome of the arbitration could affect Balogun’s availability.