Belgium still demand answers from FIFA over Balogun ban decision
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has renewed its demand for an explanation from FIFA over the decision that allowed Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium’s football authorities want the controversial disciplinary decision discussed at the next FIFA Council meeting on 15 October after saying their questions remain unanswered two months after the tournament.
Stay updated: Set GistReel as a favorite source on Google to catch our stories first.
Balogun had been expected to miss the last-16 clash after receiving a straight red card in the United States’ previous match. However, FIFA suspended his one-game ban for 12 months, making him available for the meeting with Belgium.
Belgian FA maintains pressure on FIFA
The decision attracted considerable criticism, particularly after reports that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA over the matter.
UEFA and the RBFA also questioned the unusual decision, with Belgium’s governing body previously requesting a clear explanation of how it was reached and how similar cases would be handled in the future.
Balogun, who had scored three goals before the incident, started against Belgium as the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat. Belgium subsequently reached the quarter-finals before losing to Spain.
RBFA president Pascale van Damme said the association was still waiting for answers.
“Two months after the events, our questions remain unanswered,” Van Damme said.
She added that the RBFA wanted greater transparency and clearer procedures to ensure similar disciplinary cases were handled consistently in the future.
Balogun case adds to Infantino opposition
The RBFA has also confirmed that it will not support Gianni Infantino in his bid for another term as FIFA president.
The association identified two reasons for its position: the handling of the Balogun case and FIFA Forward Enterprise, a now-abandoned proposal involving the sale of stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.
Balogun’s dismissal was the 189th red card in World Cup history and only the second, after Brazil’s Garrincha in 1962, in which the player did not serve a suspension.
FIFA justified the decision by referring to Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which permits the governing body to fully or partially suspend a disciplinary measure. However, no other suspension was lifted during the 2026 tournament.
Meanwhile, Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, confirmed this week that he will seek re-election in March.