FIFA’s reversal of Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban has caused outrage in European football, with both UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) considering possible actions.
Sources expect UEFA to issue a statement following FIFA’s decision, and the governing body of European football is likely to back Belgium, who were affected by the U.S. Striker being cleared to feature in their next World Cup game. Belgium has acknowledged that they are considering all options following the contentious call.
“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 Belgian federation said.
A senior FIFA vice-president was heard privately labelling the ruling as “an utter disgrace”, revealing significant fractures at the heart of world football’s governing body. The clearance of Balogun was a massive boost to the USA, but it has reignited questions over FIFA’s disciplinary procedures. European football’s powers that be are discussing the next course of action.
