The Royal Belgian Football Association has formally challenged FIFA’s decision to withdraw the one-match-suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, contesting his eligibility to play in tonight’s match between Belgium and the United States.
“The RBFA has still not received either a decision or any explanation from FIFA regarding this case. It therefore has no choice but to formally challenge the eligibility of the player concerned for the upcoming match,” the association stated on Monday.
“Regardless of the sporting outcome of the match, the RBFA has serious concerns about the way this matter has been handled. In the hours, days and months ahead, it will continue to defend the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition and the interests of football as a whole,” the statement went on.
The move comes following criticism from both Belgian politicians and EU officials, who have questioned FIFA’s handling of the case after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump intervened by contacting FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
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