TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has protested the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's decision to suspend the one-match ban imposed on United States (US) striker Folarin Balogun.
The decision allows Balogun to remain eligible to play when the host team faces Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle on Tuesday, July 7.
"The RBFA is surprised by FIFA's decision to declare United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the United States-Belgium match on Monday, July 6, at 5:00 PM Seattle time," the federation said in a statement on its official website on Monday.
The RBFA believes FIFA's decision violates Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which explicitly states that a red card automatically results in a one-match suspension.
According to the federation, this rule has been consistently applied to all red cards issued throughout the 2026 World Cup.
Furthermore, the RBFA also accused FIFA of ignoring Article 10.5 of the 2026 World Cup Competition Regulations. This rule states that any player or team official who receives a direct red card or a red card due to accumulation of yellow cards is automatically suspended from the next match. FIFA also has the authority to impose additional sanctions if necessary.
Furthermore, FIFA based its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has the authority to decide to suspend the implementation of previously imposed disciplinary sanctions.
The RBFA emphasized that this provision was always communicated in every match coordination meeting before the match and was included in all official 2026 World Cup workshop materials.
Following the decision, the RBFA stated that it was reviewing all possible steps.
"To protect the legitimate rights of all participating teams and uphold the fundamental principles of fair play in the sport, both at this World Cup and in future editions, the RBFA is investigating all available options," the federation wrote.
Previously, Balogun was sanctioned for receiving a straight red card during Mauricio Pochettino's squad's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
The former Arsenal striker was sent off in the 64th minute after fouling Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Read: World Cup: Trump Thanks FIFA for Suspending Balogun's Ban
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