FIFA rejected the formal request from Belgium for a copy of the decision that allowed Folarin Balogun to represent the United States at the World Cup, after treating the application as an inadmissible appeal. The scandal erupted on the eve of the round of 16 match, with the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) publicly denouncing the lack of transparency from the governing body of world football.
Belgium claims it had only “a few hours” to act after the decision to lift the suspension of Balogun, the US forward, allowing him to be available to face Belgium. The case took on even more controversial dimensions when it was revealed that US President Donald Trump personally intervened, appealing to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the situation and ensure the player's participation.
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In a statement issued this Sunday, the RBFA explained: “For an appeal to be admissible, FIFA’s own regulations require that the reasoned decision be communicated to the appellant in advance.” The Belgian organization further emphasized: “While the RBFA only intended to obtain legitimate explanations, FIFA itself created an appeal and immediately ensured that it was declared inadmissible. All of this happened while FIFA simultaneously refused to respond to the RBFA's legitimate requests.”
The controversy intensified after FIFA removed, without explanation, the section regarding the automatic suspension of players from a presentation made at the pre-match coordination meeting. According to the Belgian federation, this change was not clarified despite repeated requests, both verbal and written.
This situation raises serious questions about FIFA's governance and procedures in sensitive decisions, especially when the eligibility of players can directly influence the outcome of a high-level competition like the World Cup. Belgium's criticisms point to a lack of clarity and openness from FIFA, fueling a climate of distrust surrounding the organization.
Contacted about these accusations, FIFA has chosen not to respond thus far, maintaining silence in the face of a controversy that promises to overshadow the decisive match between Belgium and the United States. The outcome of this episode could have repercussions beyond the game and reignite the debate over the need for greater transparency and rigor in the decisions of international football bodies.
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