Belgium Files Appeal Over FIFA's Reversal of Balogun Ban Ahead of World Cup Match

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced on Monday that it has formally appealed FIFA’s suspension of the one-game ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun. The appeal comes less than 24 hours before Belgium’s round-of-16 match against the United States at Lumen Field in Seattle.

In a statement, the RBFA said it learned of the ban’s reversal through media reports and wrote to FIFA requesting a full explanation of the decision-making process and the applicable regulations. The association claimed that FIFA’s response—labeling the RBFA’s inquiry as an appeal and appointing a judge—did not provide the required rationale, rendering the appeal inadmissible under FIFA’s own rules.

The RBFA added that it has not received any official decision or clarification from FIFA and therefore must challenge Balogun’s eligibility. An independent member of the FIFA appeals committee has been selected to hear the case, with submissions due by early Monday morning and a ruling potentially issued before the match.

U.S. Soccer and the United States team have been asked to submit their responses by the same deadline. The disciplinary committee could decide not to disclose the rationale for lifting the suspension.

"The Belgian federation isn’t just defending itself or the national team; it’s defending football in general — its integrity and its ethics," Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia said at a press conference.

"For me, there isn’t much debate here, though I do understand Belgium’s perspective," U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino told reporters, adding that the United States does not benefit from the situation.

The appeal follows reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the ban was initially imposed. FIFA has not commented on the matter. Balogun remains eligible to play in the upcoming knockout game.