Folarin Balogun released by FIFA: Belgium says it is surprised by the

Folarin Balogun, United States striker, will finally be able to play in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Belgium, as his one-game suspension, imposed after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been conditionally suspended by FIFA. According to an official FIFA statement, "in accordance with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the execution of the suspension has been suspended for a probationary period of one year." This decision, considered an exception to the traditional rules, quickly spread throughout the football world and reached the ears of the Belgian team, who did not react positively to the news. The Royal Belgian Football Federation (RBFA) issued a statement expressing its astonishment at FIFA's decision to deem Balogun eligible for the match against the United States. "FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows the Disciplinary Committee to suspend the execution of a previously imposed sanction. However, Article 66.4 of the same Code clearly establishes that a red card automatically implies the suspension of the player for the team's next match, as occurred with all red cards received at this World Cup," said the Belgian federation.  Furthermore, Belgium's official response did not stop there. The RBFA highlighted that the decision directly contradicts the rules set out in the 2026 World Cup Competition Regulations. Article 10.5 of the regulations states: "If a player or team member is sent off for a direct or indirect red card (second warning), he will be automatically suspended for his team's next match. Other sanctions may also be applied." This standard has been reaffirmed in previous communiqués and FIFA coordination meetings, which reiterate the importance of these guidelines for protecting the rights of all participating teams and the principles of fair play in sport. Given this scenario, the RBFA stated that it is evaluating all possible options to guarantee the integrity of the competition. FIFA's decision generated a great debate about the application of rules and fairness in international competitions, particularly in a tournament of such importance as the World Cup. Expectations now revolve around the clash between the United States and Belgium, where Balogun could be a key player for the American team, while Belgium seeks to understand and contest this surprising decision. --- ## Related Articles 1. [Rudi García criticizes FIFA's decision on Balogun](https://golazopro.com/es/news/rudi-garcia-critica-la-decision-de-la-fifa-sobre-balogun) 2. [FIFA heft schorsing Folarin Balogun op na inmenging Trump: Ophef rond](https://oranjenet.live/nl/news/fifa-heft-schorsing-folarin-balogun-op-na-inmenging-trump-ophef-rond-vs-belgie-o)

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