05 Jul 2026, 23:39
FIFA suspends the Belgian national team’s disqualification of goalkeeper Balogun for the match against Belgium
- FIFA has punished the disqualification of Florain Balogun, meaning he will be unable to play against Belgium in the 1/16 final.
- The suspension is expected to be lifted, as Belgium’s match with the USA was against goalkeeper Gerzegoivin.
- Belgium’s football federation reports that, under FIFA’s decision, the player’s disqualification has been reversed and he will be able to play in the 1/16 final against Belgium.
FIFA has punished the disqualification of Florain Balogun, which was confirmed by the red card received against the USA in the round of 32, and the player’s ban is expected to be lifted for the 1/16 final against Belgium.
Independent reports that it was the red card that was “suspended,” meaning the match ban was imposed on the basis of a mistake in the player’s identity for the match with Belgium. It also reports that transfer Mauricio Pochettino sent a message on the matter to the authorities of the Belgian federation, which is expected to be resolved by the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to Independent, the president of the FA, Donal Trump, sent a message to Truth Social with a post about “reversing a great injustice.” It also says that the message was made by Mark Rubio, who, according to his own thoughts, believes that the process of appeal will not be completed, but that it is not possible for the ban to be lifted.
Forbes also reports that FIFA factually placed Balogun under a ban on the basis of a decision by the governing body, arguing that the match with Belgium was not the result of a violation. Forbes adds that it is not clear whether the ban is related to the match or to the decision of the governing body.
Belgium’s football federation, according to Independent, said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision to apply Article 27 of the Disciplinary Code. The federation also said that the Royal Belgian Football Association would be able to appeal the ban for all players, citing Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations.
Independent also says that the president of the FA, Donal Trump, has been suspended for the red card in the match against Belgium in the 1/16 final, and that it is expected to be resolved by the governing body.
Tags: Sport/Football