Team Belgium has now given their official response to the news that Folarin Balogun is eligible to play in their match against the US, after his one-game ban for receiving a red card was suspended for 12 months.
The decision came amid a revelation that the White House itself pressured FIFA into reviewing the ban. (Read our posts below)
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday,” the statement read.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”
France meanwhile is now pushing FIFA to overturn the yellow card given to star player Michael Olise, following the Balogun decision.
Fair to say FIFA has opened a can of worms here.