Belgium release furious statement after USA star allowed to play despite World Cup red card

Balogun had been expected to miss the match after being sent off in the USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier in the tournament.

But FIFA confirmed on Sunday that the 25-year-old's suspension had been put on hold for a one-year probationary period, meaning he is now available for selection against Belgium.

The decision was welcomed in the United States, with President Donald Trump writing on Truth Social: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!"

The USMNT also accepted the ruling, saying: "We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.

"Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans."

Belgium, however, have reacted with anger.

"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m.," the statement read.

"FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

"This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.

"However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup."

The RBFA also cited World Cup competition rules, which state that a player sent off through a direct or second-yellow red card is automatically suspended for his team's next match.

The Belgian FA added that the same interpretation had been repeated in FIFA circulars, match coordination meetings and tournament workshops.

"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 statement concluded.

Belgian FA president Pascale Van Damme, who also sits on the FIFA Council, has travelled to Seattle amid discussions over the decision.

FIFA has yet to respond to Belgium's criticism.

Balogun was dismissed after a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic, with replays showing his studs catching the Bosnia and Herzegovina defender's leg.

The striker later insisted the incident had been accidental.

"First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I'm sure a lot of people know," Balogun said.

"But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don't think it was the correct call.

"I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There's not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it's happened, and it's something that I have to accept and move forward from."

USA defender Chris Richards admitted the squad initially learned of the decision through social media.

"We weren't quite sure if it was true or not," he said.

"I think everyone knows with AI and this and that, there can be a few question marks.

"But ultimately we found out through social media, so it was cool to finally get the confirmation that it was true."