Belgium requests official explanation from FIFA for Balogun decision

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has taken official action against FIFA's decision not to impose a suspension on Folarin Balogun ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 match.

Lawyers for the RBFA have requested a full and transparent explanation of the grounds on which the decision was made. It was also stated that the federation wishes to review the reports belonging to the FIFA referee committee.

FIFA had announced that Balogun, who received a red card in the match where the USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Sunday evening, would not be considered suspended for the Round of 16 match to be played against Belgium.

Following the decision, the Belgian side stated in a statement that same evening that they would follow the process. According to reports from The Athletic, the first step taken was to request the official justification and relevant reports from FIFA.

In claims attributed to journalist Ben Jacobs and The New York Times, it was alleged that the decision was made following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. It is not yet clear whether FIFA will publish the referee's report.

Belgium is also under time pressure in the appeal process. Because the match is scheduled to be played at 02:00 local time in the Netherlands, the federation needs to receive a response in a short time.

News Source: 12punto