World Cup: FIFA Rules Belgium’s Appeal Against Balogun Decision Is ‘Inadmissible’

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FIFA said on Monday that the appeal by Belgium’s football assocation against the World Cup reprieve for US striker Folarin Balogun was “inadmissible”.

“The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) as inadmissible in relation to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend for one year the match suspension imposed on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun,” FIFA said in a statement.

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Belgium, who had earlier appealed the decision, are scheduled meet co-hosts USA in a round of 16 match on July 7.

The Nigerian-US striker had been set to miss Monday’s knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last-32.

He was dismissed for stepping on the foot of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.

But FIFA had suspended the one-match ban resulting from his red card, making the forward available for his side’s FIFA World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium.

In a statement on Sunday, FIFA said the implementation of Balogun’s match suspension had been deferred for a probationary period of one year.

“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” said the governing body.

Trump Lauds FIFA, UEFA Kicks

While President Donald Trump on Sunday thanked FIFA for suspending the one-match ban and allowing the US striker to play in the World Cup co-hosts’ last-16 showdown against Belgium, the governing body’s action attracted criticism.

European football’s governing body UEFA said on Monday that FIFA “crossed a red line” with the controversial decision to suspend US star Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a year.

Similarly, former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp on Monday slammed FIFA’s decision to overturn the US striker’s suspension.

“It’s a red card, even if it’s a shame because Balogun can’t play, but it’s there in the rules,” Klopp said.

“This is our game, not theirs… If Trump and Infantino really worked this all out between themselves, that’s crazy. It calls everything into question…

“These two individuals, neither of whom has a clue about football, shouldn’t have anything to do with it,” the 59-year-old added.