Belgium challenging Balogun's eligibility for World Cup clash v USA

Belgium is challenging U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s eligibility for Monday’s World Cup last-16 match after FIFA treated the Royal Belgian Football Association’s request as an inadmissible appeal. The RBFA said FIFA had not provided any decision or explanation about Balogun’s status, despite correspondence sent seeking a copy of the ruling. FIFA had suspended Balogun’s red-card ban and cleared him to play in the round of 16 after U.S. President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case. The RBFA argued FIFA’s rejection relied on technicalities, noting its own regulations require the reasoned decision be communicated first. Reuters said it contacted FIFA for comment. The dispute highlights friction over disciplinary processes.