Belgium set for late appeal after FIFA clears USA Folarin Balogun 

Belgium are set to appeal FIFA’s controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban just hours before their World Cup clash with the United States.

Balogun had been expected to miss Monday’s Round of 16 tie after receiving a direct red card in USA’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

FIFA, however, announced on Sunday that the striker’s automatic suspension had been suspended for a probationary period of one year.

The decision cleared Balogun to face Belgium, but immediately drew anger from the Royal Belgian Football Association.

According to reports, Belgium are now preparing to challenge the decision before kick-off at Seattle Stadium.

The case has sparked debate because direct red cards at the World Cup usually carry an automatic one-match suspension.

FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, saying the implementation of Balogun’s automatic match suspension had been suspended for one year.

The controversy deepened after reports claimed United States President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s red card.

Trump later praised FIFA’s decision on Truth Social, thanking the body for “reversing a great injustice.”

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticised the ruling during his pre-match press conference.

“I didn’t know the fifth of July had turned into April Fool’s Day,” Garcia said.

“We’re not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football,” he added.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino defended FIFA’s decision, saying the United States had already been punished by playing more than 30 minutes with 10 men against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Balogun is USA’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals.