Belgium appeal shot down after Folarin Balogun cleared to play

Belgium’s appeal was rejected after FIFA cleared U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. FIFA ruled on Sunday that Balogun could play Monday night after approving his eligibility, and it dismissed Belgium’s appeal on Monday, saying the disciplinary process “does not concern” their players. In FIFA’s statement, the RBFA (Royal Belgian Football Association) was told its request was inadmissible because it is not a party to the proceedings. The RBFA confirmed the decision and said it plans to contest Balogun’s eligibility, potentially before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, if he is named on the American teamsheet. Balogun, who scored three goals in the tournament, had been suspended following a red card in the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The article notes controversy about the foul and video replay, and it references reports that U.S. president Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the compulsory one-match ban.