Tribal Football

Belgium set to appeal against FIFA's Folarin Balogun ban decision

Belgium set to appeal against FIFA's Folarin Balogun ban decision
Belgium set to appeal against FIFA's Folarin Balogun ban decisionCredit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images/ REUTERS

Belgium have been granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision to overturn the one-game ban handed to USA forward Folarin Balogun.

It comes less than a day before Belgium face off against the United States in the World Cup round of 16, as per Adam Crafton of The Athletic. 

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Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but after an intervention from U.S president Donald Trump, FIFA suspended the decision which means the striker can now play against Belgium. 

The Belgian FA have been left 'astonished' by FIFA's decision to suspend the ban for a period of one year. 

Belgium head coach joked that the decision felt like an April Fool's prank at a news conference on Saturday. 

He said: "The Belgian federation isn’t just defending itself or the national team; it’s defending football in general — its integrity and its ethics.

“As far as I recall, I think this is the first time in World Cup history that a decision like this has been made. Anyway, I’m the coach, so I’m going to focus on my team and the match — it doesn’t matter who makes up the USA’s starting lineup. What matters to me is the pitch, my team, winning, and reaching the quarterfinals.”

Submissions for an appeal must be made by Monday morning in the event of a potential ruling, but Belgium have not been made aware of any guarantees by FIFA regarding that possibility. 

Belgium will face off against the USA at Lumin Field in Seattle on Monday, and Balogun is expected to play at this stage. 

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