Belgian FA demands answers over Folarin Balogun ban decision
The Belgian Football Association is still seeking clarity from FIFA regarding the controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension during the World Cup.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has confirmed it is still awaiting a formal explanation from FIFA regarding why Folarin Balogun was permitted to play in the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. The forward had been handed a one-game ban following a red card, but FIFA controversially suspended that disciplinary measure for a year.
The decision sparked widespread criticism, particularly following reports that the US government had lobbied FIFA officials. The RBFA has now requested that the matter be added to the agenda for the upcoming FIFA Council meeting on 15 October.
RBFA president Pascale van Damme stated that the lack of transparency remains a major concern. In addition to the Balogun case, the Belgian governing body cited concerns over FIFA's proposed plans to sell stakes in tournaments to private investment firms. Consequently, the RBFA has confirmed it will not support incumbent Gianni Infantino in his bid for re-election as FIFA president next March.