UEFA challenges FIFA’s Balogun ban decision before USMNT face Belgium

Folarin Balogun is eligible for the United States’ World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match red-card ban for a one-year probationary period. UEFA has sharply objected to that decision, arguing it threatens the consistency of tournament discipline.

Balogun had been sent off for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round, a 2-0 USMNT win. The striker is also reported as the United States’ leading scorer at the tournament with three goals, making his availability a significant sporting development before the Belgium match.

UEFA’s response focused less on the individual player and more on governance. Its position is that a straight red card should trigger a minimum one-match suspension without special exceptions during an active competition, especially when other players have served similar bans.

The situation has become more sensitive because the source report also cites a public message from U.S. President Donald Trump thanking FIFA, and an ABC-confirmed report that Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review. Belgium’s federation has expressed shock and is said to be considering its options, leaving the controversy likely to continue beyond the team-sheet decision.