The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has formally challenged FIFA's handling of the eligibility case involving United States striker Folarin Balogun, whose one-match automatic suspension was suspended just before the World Cup Round of 16 match between Belgium and the United States. The RBFA claims FIFA ignored its legitimate requests for information, treated a simple inquiry as an appeal, and then declared that appeal inadmissible within hours.
RBFA's Formal Complaint to FIFA
According to a statement released by the RBFA on July 6, 2026, the association sent a letter to FIFA after learning through media reports that Balogun's automatic one-match ban had been lifted. The RBFA requested a copy of the decision, an explanation of the process followed, and clarification of the applicable regulations. In response, FIFA stated that it considered the RBFA's letter an appeal, appointed a judge, and gave the association only a few hours to complete that appeal without providing any underlying decision or supporting information.
"For an appeal to be admissible, FIFA's own regulations state that the reasoned decision must first have been communicated to the appellant. While the RBFA was merely seeking legitimate explanations, FIFA itself created an appeal and immediately ensured that it would be declared inadmissible," the RBFA statement said.
Allegations of Procedural Irregularities
The RBFA further accused FIFA of deliberately removing the agenda item on automatic player suspensions from the pre-match coordination meeting without explanation. This topic had been part of all such meetings for the previous four matches. The RBFA said it questioned FIFA both orally and in writing about the change but received no response.
"As of this moment, the RBFA has still not received any decision or any explanation from FIFA regarding this matter. It therefore has no alternative but to challenge the player's eligibility for the upcoming match," the statement added. The association vowed to continue pursuing the matter in defence of ethics, fair competition, and the integrity of football, regardless of the sporting outcome.
Background: Trump's Intervention and FIFA's Decision
The controversy stems from FIFA's announcement that the implementation of Balogun's automatic one-match suspension had been suspended under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This decision followed an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged the organization to review the case. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee stated, "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."
The RBFA has made clear that it will continue to fight for transparency and fair process, even after the match, highlighting what it sees as a dangerous precedent for the sport.
