Belgium has been granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision to lift US striker Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension ahead of the 2026 World Cup round-of-16 match between the two nations. The Belgian football association said it would explore all legal options after Balogun started in the game, which the US lost 4-1.
The suspension was lifted following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, prompting swift backlash. UEFA condemned the move as "incomprehensible and unjustified," saying FIFA had "crossed a red line." UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister warned of political interference setting a dangerous precedent, while former FIFA President Sepp Blatter cautioned that football must never become a political plaything.
German sports lawyer Thomas Summerer called the decision unlawful, and the German football association demanded FIFA address the circumstances. Belgium's foreign minister called the ruling "incomprehensible" as corruption allegations mounted.