Leaders from the Union of European Football Associations have discussed “possible next steps” after FIFA’s decision to reverse the one-game ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun sparked anger among European soccer’s top officials as Belgium is slated to play the U.S. on Monday.UEFA, the administrative and governing body of European soccer responsible for representing the various national football associations throughout the continent, plans to release “a statement on Monday in response to FIFA’s ruling,” a person familiar with the matter told Politico. The Royal Belgian Football Association is a member of UEFA.Controversy swept across the globe on Sunday afternoon when it was revealed President Donald Trump and White House officials communicated with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other FIFA officials Wednesday night after star American striker Falorin Balogun was given a straight red card that barred him from playing in the U.S.’s next game. FIFA announced just hours earlier on Sunday that Balogun would be able to play in Monday night’s match against Belgium.
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA’s statement said. “If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked, and the sanction will be enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new restriction.”The RFBA quickly denounced the decision, vowing to investigate FIFA’s choice.“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 RFBA is investigating all potential options,” it said.UEFA’s statement is simply expected to support Belgium, according to the report, and it is unclear what other actions may be taken ahead of the game’s kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on Monday.TRUMP CALLED FIFA PRESIDENT TO REVERSE FOLARIN BALOGUN’S ONE-GAME BANTrump thanked FIFA for overturning the decision on Sunday afternoon, saying it reversed “a great injustice!” The president has a friendly relationship with Infantino, who gifted the U.S. president the “FIFA Peace Prize” at an event last year.Balogun, the team’s leading scorer, scored the opening goal in the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The odds of the U.S. winning against Belgium dramatically increased when it was announced he is eligible to play.
