The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed deep astonishment Sunday after FIFA suddenly overturned a one-game red card suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun.
The decision came ahead of the World Cup round-of-16 match between Belgium and the United States in Seattle on Monday.
FIFA used its disciplinary framework to delay Balogun's automatic suspension for a probationary period, clearing the 25-year-old forward to play in the critical knockout fixture.
Balogun had been ejected against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would normally trigger an automatic ban.
RBFA Criticizes Contradiction in Rules
The Belgian federation sharply criticized the decision, pointing out a contradiction within the tournament rules regarding automatic bans for red cards.
"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.
m. (Seattle time)," the RBFA stated.
The federation argued that previous dismissals during the tournament consistently resulted in immediate prohibitions under governing regulations.
"FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup," the RBFA stated.
The European organization concluded its official response by indicating that it is reviewing its legal avenues regarding the matter.
"In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options," the RBFA stated.
Political figures also weighed in on the sudden administrative reversal by the international governing body on Sunday.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" wrote United States President Donald Trump.
The disciplinary committee clarified the exact mechanism used to allow the American attacker back into the active squad.
"By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year," FIFA stated.
