Mondial-2026: la fédération belge reçoit des soutiens politiques dans l'affaire Balogun
The Belgian federation, "stunned" by the suspension of the red card given to American Folarin Balogun, received several political endorsements in Belgium on Sunday evening, where the FIFA decision is described as a threat to the fundamental principles of fair play and a "disgrace".
"The real strength is to win with fair play (and respecting all the rules). That's what Belgium will do tomorrow (Monday)," reacted Jacqueline Galant, Minister of Sports of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, on X.
"Full support to the Belgian federation which announces it is studying all possibilities in order to preserve the legitimate rights of all participants as well as the fundamental principles of fair play which govern football during this World Cup," she added before declaring: "Go Red Devils, more than ever, the whole country is behind you."
The Socialist Party, in opposition, also expressed concern about FIFA's "shameful" decision.
"Shame on you! When money rules, the World Cup loses all credibility," the political group wrote on X. "Adapting the rules to please Trump, trying to cheat to win—what a deplorable image for FIFA, the World Cup, and the United States. The rules must be respected by everyone, in sports as in life."
Balogun, the top scorer for the United States (3 goals since the start of the tournament), was sent off on Wednesday during the round of 16 match won (2-0) against Bosnia-Herzegovina for stepping on the leg of defender Tarik Muharemovic.
FIFA regulations stipulate that in the event of a red card, a suspension of one match is automatic and cannot be appealed by the team of the sanctioned player.
But FIFA announced on Sunday that his suspension had been lifted.
According to a source close to the case, Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday to ask him to review the case.
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