RBFA Faces Challenges Following Balogun’s Suspension
Monday has been particularly challenging for the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA). Just hours after FIFA rejected RBFA’s appeal against the red card suspension given to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, the Belgian soccer authority released a strong statement criticizing the decision and accusing FIFA of breach of its own regulations.
RBFA asserted that FIFA did not provide any written rationale for the suspension, claiming this violates FIFA rules. They also informed the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) of their objection to Balogun’s eligibility, indicating that “any future action” remains undecided.
Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute during last week’s U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incident occurred when a player from Bosnia and Herzegovina made contact with Balogun from behind as the U.S. player stretched for the ball. The precise position of the opposing player was somewhat ambiguous.
No fouls were called during the live play. However, Brazilian referee Rafael Kraus was asked to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). FIFA regulations permit VAR to assess penalty severity, but they also specify that referees must review footage at normal speed, particularly if no fouls or yellow cards have been recorded on the field.
Despite this, Kraus used slow-motion and still images to analyze Balogun’s actions, which is not allowed since the decision was not made on the pitch. U.S. soccer officials contested the red card, stating that Kraus failed to adhere to proper review standards, leading FIFA to stop the issuance of red cards related to the incident.
FIFA referenced its authority under Article 27, which allows the judicial body to suspend disciplinary measures. It states, “the judicial body may decide to suspend, in whole or in part, the implementation of disciplinary measures,” and adds that if someone under suspension commits a similar infraction during that period, the original suspension can be lifted, imposing the penalty without affecting any new sanctions for additional offenses.
