Belgian FA still wants Balogun ban answers

Belgium’s Football Association (RBFA) is seeking clarification on why Folarin Balogun was permitted to play for the United States during the 2022 World Cup, despite serving a one-game ban following a red card in a previous match. The RBFA has requested the issue be discussed at the next Fifa Council meeting on October 15. The controversy surrounding Balogun’s ban has been widely criticized, particularly due to reported lobbying by US President Donald Trump and White House officials during the decision-making process.

The RBFA has demanded a clear justification for the decision and details on how such situations should be handled in the future. RBFA President Pascale van Damme emphasized the need for transparency and consistency in decision-making, expressing disappointment in the lack of answers two months after the incident. The RBFA also stated it will not support Fifa President Gianni Infantino’s bid for a second term, citing concerns over the Balogun case and the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise plan, which aimed to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investment firms.