FIFA has rejected an appeal by the Belgian Football Association (RBFA) challenging the eligibility of United States forward Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the crucial World Cup round of 16 match. The decision comes after U.S. President Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's one-match ban following a red card in the win over Bosnia on July 1.
Trump's intervention and FIFA's reversal
President Trump, who has developed a close friendship with Infantino, confirmed the news at a Monday press conference. White House sources told the Daily Mail that Trump reached out to Infantino ahead of FIFA's decision to suspend the ban. Trump later wrote on social media: 'Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.'
Belgian FA's appeal rejected
The RBFA launched an appeal shortly after the ban was lifted, but FIFA's Appeal Committee, chaired by Mr. Salman Al-Ansari, declared the case inadmissible and upheld the earlier decision allowing Balogun to play. In a statement, the RBFA expressed frustration, noting that it had not received any grounds for the decision, a copy of the decision, the motivation declaring the player eligible, or the referee's report, which it said violates FIFA regulations.
The RBFA added that it has informed the U.S. Soccer Federation that it contests Balogun's eligibility should he be listed on the referee's team sheet, leaving all further actions open.
