Gary Neville and Roy Keane have launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, allowing the USA striker to face Belgium in the World Cup knockout stages.
The controversial decision has sparked outrage ahead of Monday's last-16 clash in Seattle, with Belgium already confirming they are considering their options after describing FIFA's ruling as "astonishing".
Balogun had been due to miss the tie after being sent off during the United States' victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Although many observers felt the Arsenal forward's challenge on Tarik Muharemovic did not warrant a straight red card, FIFA's decision to suspend the automatic ban has generated criticism because it bypassed the punishment rather than overturning the dismissal itself.
Under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the governing body confirmed Balogun's suspension would instead be held in abeyance for 12 months, meaning it will only be activated if he commits another similar offence during that period.
Speaking on ITV, Neville admitted he did not believe Balogun should have been sent off but insisted FIFA had handled the situation in entirely the wrong way.
"It absolutely stinks," Neville said.
"Let's be really clear. But what I would say is the thing that stinks the most is there should be a review process in place.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane have launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, allowing the USA striker to face Belgium in the World Cup knockout stages
|ITV
"I actually didn't think it was a red card, and I think there should be a process which allows it to be overturned.
"But if there's no process for it to be overturned, and then somehow FIFA from nowhere have just decided to basically let a player play, and the rules [should be] the same for everybody."
The former Manchester United defender believes Belgium have every right to feel aggrieved.
"I would be absolutely raging if I was Belgium, and every other team in the tournament that's had a player sent off that might think it's been a little bit hard done to," he continued.
"It absolutely stinks" 🤔
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 5, 2026
Neville, Wrighty, and Keane chat to Pougs about the "shameful" decision to suspend the one-game ban of Folarin Balogun pic.twitter.com/CHkTGiq4VU
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Keane shared Neville's frustration, arguing the decision undermined the tournament's credibility.
"It seems unfair because it is unfair," the former Republic of Ireland captain said.
"It seems like a bit of a pals' act, shall we say."
Former England striker Ian Wright also questioned FIFA's handling of the situation.
"We're talking about integrity, people talking about transparency, but you look at some of the things that's happened in this tournament with certain teams, it's been shameful how things can happen," Wright said.
"Especially as an American player, whether he's guilty of what he's done, whether we think he shouldn't have got it or not.
Folarin Balogun has been a key player for USA at the World Cup ahead of their clash with Belgium | GETTY"Some of the things that's happened in this World Cup have been shameful."
The decision has also drawn political attention, with United States President Donald Trump celebrating the outcome.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" he wrote on Truth Social.
Belgium's football federation has since confirmed it is investigating "all potential options" after expressing its disbelief at FIFA's intervention.