The Royal Belgian Football Association has expressed shock over FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card issued to United States forward Folarin Balogun, a move that makes him eligible for Belgium’s Round of 16 clash against the USA.
Balogun, the 25 year old striker of Nigerian descent, was shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2 to 0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.
FIFA, however, announced on Sunday that the automatic one match suspension attached to the red card would be put on hold for a probationary period of one year, effectively clearing the forward to feature in the knockout fixture.
Reacting to the development, the Belgian football federation said it was astonished by the decision and was already looking into the matter.
The RBFA said it was “investigating all potential options” following FIFA’s ruling.
In its statement, FIFA said the suspension would remain inactive unless Balogun commits another offence of a similar nature and seriousness within the probation period.
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” the football body said.
It added that if Balogun commits another infringement of similar gravity during that period, the suspension would be reactivated alongside any fresh sanction imposed for the new offence.
The decision also drew a reaction from United States President Donald Trump, who welcomed the ruling in a post on Truth Social.
Trump, who is known to have a cordial relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, described the reversal as the correction of what he called a major injustice.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.
