Belgium’s football federation says it is “astonished” by FIFA’s decision to overturn a red-card outcome involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, and it is now seeking further clarification. Multiple outlets report that Belgium’s Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement saying it will continue to “pursue” an explanation from FIFA and to investigate “all potential options,” with some coverage noting the federation hints at possible legal action.
The dispute centers on FIFA reversing the suspension tied to Balogun’s red card. He had been shown a red card in the round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina after a VAR review, which initially meant he was set to miss Belgium’s round of 16 clash. After FIFA’s U-turn, the suspension is no longer enforced, prompting Belgium to question the decision and press for transparency.
According to The Athletic, Belgium cites “legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment and fair play” as principles underlying its request. The outlets consistently frame Belgium’s response as a formal challenge to FIFA’s ruling and a push for a detailed explanation and possible further steps.
