Historic World Cup furor at 'incomprehensible' FIFA decision to let U.S. forward Balogun play

Historic World Cup furor has erupted over FIFA’s decision to let U.S. forward Folarin Balogun play after a red card in his previous match. Belgium’s soccer federation said it is challenging FIFA’s ruling and issued its statement just 11 hours before kickoff in Seattle for the round of 16, where the game decides a quarterfinal spot. UEFA criticized FIFA’s choice as “incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” arguing it crossed a line by not enforcing Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban for a tackle on Tarik Muharemović against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA deferred the ban with a probation approach after the controversy intensified, drawing criticism worldwide, including from former World Cup figures. Belgian officials said FIFA did not provide key documents needed to file a valid appeal. UEFA is also tied to the dispute as its member federations include Belgium.