Former FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter has raised concerns over the decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Belgium. Blatter warned that football must not become a playground for political power.
Blatter's Statement on Political Influence
In a post on X, Blatter emphasized that disciplinary decisions should remain independent of political interference. He wrote, "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies." The former FIFA chief added that any suggestion of political involvement would raise serious concerns. "If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President -- and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match -- the question is unavoidable. Football must never become a playground for political power," he stated.
FIFA's Decision and Article 27
FIFA announced that Balogun's automatic one-match suspension had been suspended under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee said in a statement, "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." Balogun had received a red card in the 64th minute of the United States' 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite playing with 10 men, the co-hosts advanced to the last 16, with Balogun having scored three goals in the tournament.
Belgian FA's Opposition
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed strong opposition to FIFA's decision, describing it as surprising. In an official statement, the RBFA said it was "astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match" and questioned the legal basis. The RBFA argued that Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly mandates an automatic suspension following a red card, as applied in all previous red card incidents during this World Cup.
Impact on the Match
Balogun is now expected to be available when the United States face Belgium in Seattle, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake. The controversy surrounding his eligibility has added tension to the high-stakes knockout match.
