from Belgium The Football Association has requested it FIFA to explain why Folarin Balogun was allowed to play against them in the World Cup 2026 and wants the issue to be discussed at the next FIFA Council meeting.
Balogun was controversially cleared to play for the United States in their Round of 16 meeting with Belgium after his one-match ban for consecutive red cards was suspended for one year by FIFA.
The decision drew widespread criticism, particularly after it emerged that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA over the situation.
UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) were among those to question the decision, with Belgium now calling for more clarity on how the case was handled.
Balogun had scored three goals in the tournament before his red card and was named in the starting eleven against Belgium after FIFA lifted his ban.
The United States eventually lost the game 4-1, and Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Spain.
The RBFA had previously asked FIFA for “clear justification of the decisions taken and details on how these situations will be dealt with in the future”.
Two months after the incident, the Belgian association says it is still waiting for a satisfactory response.
RBFA president Pascale van Damme said: “Two months after the events, our questions remain unanswered.
“Given the importance of transparency and clarity for all parties involved, we ask for the necessary explanations and, at the same time, want to explore where current processes can be improved, so that similar cases can be dealt with clearly, consistently and efficiently in the future.
“Together with Uefa, the other confederations and national associations, we remain committed to transparency in decision-making, sound governance and clear processes. We remain open to constructive cooperation, in the interests of trust, integrity and the future of football.”
