Eredivisie
KNVB brands FIFA's Balogun suspension lift as remarkable
On Tuesday afternoon the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) expressed surprise at FIFA’s decision to suspend the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun, who had received a red card in the United States’ 2‑0 victory over Bosnia and was now cleared to feature in the upcoming round‑of‑16 clash against Belgium.
The KNVB said, "It is a remarkable decision by FIFA," in an official response to ANP. The statement added that the ruling is a significant decision for Belgian players, staff and supporters.
The Dutch federation also said it could not issue a substantive comment because it does not have all the facts. It described the matter as a procedure involving FIFA, UEFA and the Belgian football association and directed further inquiries to those bodies.
KNVB joins UEFA in condemning FIFA over Balogun red card reversal
UEFA responded in a clear tone, declaring that suspending the automatic one‑match ban for Balogun "crosses a line." The European body emphasized that the decision undermines established disciplinary protocols. The Belgian FA (KBVB) likewise voiced strong concerns, stating that "regardless of the sporting outcome of this match, the KBVB is seriously concerned about the way things are proceeding." The Belgian federation stressed the seriousness of the procedural issues. Balogun received the red card in the United States' 2‑0 triumph over Bosnia. The FIFA move was disclosed shortly after a conversation between US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. With the suspension lifted, Balogun is now eligible to play in the round‑of‑16 fixture against Belgium. The upcoming clash will test whether the decision influences the competitive balance of the tournament.