Belgian FA 'astonished' after FIFA revoke Folarin Balogun Red Card, Donald Trump post raises Eyebrows

The Belgian FA has expressed astonishment over FIFA's decision to clear Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension, allowing the United States striker to face them in the World Cup Round of 16 clash.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) issued a strongly worded official statement on Sunday, criticising what it views as a direct contradiction of FIFA's own disciplinary rules and World Cup regulations. The move comes after FIFA invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to suspend enforcement of the sanction imposed on Balogun following his controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun was sent off in the second half of the United States' round-of-32 victory after a VAR-reviewed challenge. Under standard FIFA procedures, a red card carries an automatic one-match suspension. However, the governing body's decision has enabled the USMNT forward to be available for Monday's clash in Seattle.

In its statement, the RBFA said, "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). 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.

Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5: 'If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.'

Donald Trump post raises Eyebrows

The Belgian FA has been astonished by the decision, which has raised eyebrows across sectors. The USA president Donald Trump's post immediately after the decision was taken has further put fairness into question. The White House shared a statement from Trump, where he thanked FIFA for 'doing what right', as he mentioned the Red Card as 'injustice'.

"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 statement added.

The statement has intensified scrutiny on FIFA's handling of disciplinary matters during the tournament, particularly with the United States as co-host.