The USMNT was delighted on Sunday when FIFA officially suspended the one-game red card ban for striker Folarin Balogun. But less than 24 hours later, FIFA granted Belgium an appeal challenging Balogun’s eligibility.
According to The Athletic, a member of the FIFA appeals committee may hear the case just hours before Belgium and the United States face off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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Both sides were instructed to send in their submissions to FIFA by 5 a.m. PT, although there is no guarantee that a ruling will be made before the beginning of Sunday’s match.
When the news broke on Sunday that Balogun would be available, there was plenty of outcry from Belgium and even the Union of European Football Associations.
The UEFA called the decision unprecedented and unjustified.
“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted,” the statement read.
“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined.”
The controversy surrounding the decision only intensified when reports emerged that United States President Donald Trump was involved in convincing FIFA to suspend the ban.
The play in question came in the 64th minute of the USMNT’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. Balogun was issued the red card after stepping on an opposing player’s ankled while going for the ball.
As of publication, it remains unclear if a ruling on Balogun’s eligibility will be made before Monday’s Round of 16 matchup.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
