FIFA Rejects Belgium's Appeal, Clearing Folarin Balogun to Play for USMNT

Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) in their upcoming match against Belgium after FIFA's appeal committee rejected Belgium's appeal. The decision means the striker, who had faced potential ineligibility, can participate in the game.

FIFA stated that the Royal Belgian Football Association's (RBFA) request was deemed inadmissible because the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and therefore lacks standing to appeal the decision. Despite this ruling, the RBFA indicated it would contest Balogun's eligibility after the match should he be listed on the team sheet.

"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has received the decision of the FIFA Appeal Committee, signed by its member Mr Salman Al-Ansari, which declares the RBFA’s case inadmissible and confirms the earlier decision allowing United States player Folarin Balogun to play," a statement from the RBFA read. The association also noted it had not yet received the grounds for FIFA's decision and that it had informed the United States Soccer Federation of its intent to contest Balogun's availability.