Belgian FA ‘has appealed’ FIFA stay of Folarin Balogun ban | OneFootball

The Royal Belgian Football Association has lodged an appeal with FIFA against the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban, according to The Athletic.

The move, announced on Sunday afternoon, left Belgium stunned, with officials examining all potential options and questioning the regulation invoked.

The dispute centres on Article 27 of FIFA regulations, which allows the body to suspend the execution of a disciplinary sanction. Rudi Garcia likened the call to an April Fools’ joke. The RBFA had to file by 5am on Monday Pacific Time, a compressed window that, alongside the late and unflagged announcement, further angered Belgium.

A member of FIFA’s appeals committee, representing neither a UEFA nor a CONCACAF federation to avoid any conflict of interest, has been appointed to review the case.

On Sunday, Donald Trump welcomed the decision, having personally called Gianni Infantino so the United States forward could play the last 16 against Belgium. In the previous round, the USA beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, while Belgium came from behind to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time. The tie in Seattle is scheduled for 2am on Tuesday.

Source: L'Équipe