Belgium makes move after USA World Cup star’s red card suspension was lifted: report

Belgium’s soccer federation on Monday was reportedly given the right to appeal FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card ban it gave USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) requested a full explanation from FIFA over its decision to suspend USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s red card ban, The Athletic reported Monday. The RBFA is also requesting a report from FIFA’s officiating body, according to the report.

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The U.S. and Belgium start their Round of 16 game in Seattle at 8 p.m. ET.

FIFA made its decision to lift the suspension on Balogun on Sunday. It appeared to be the first time since 1962 that a red card during a World Cup didn’t result in a suspension. Balogun initially received the red card for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic after a VAR review.

The RBFA said it was “astonished” and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA’s ruling.

“I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator. “The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team. She defends football in general, she defends her integrity, her ethics. I think it’s the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision.”

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Garcia wouldn’t respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of the Arbitration for Sport or whether he thought President Donald Trump impacted FIFA’s action.

“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,” the RBFA said.

Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask the organization to review the red card, a source told Fox News.

“The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA announced. “If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino lauded FIFA’s move.

“We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina to play with 10 men (for) 30 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.