Belgium is lodging strong objections after FIFA cleared U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to participate in a World Cup knockout match against Belgium, a decision that has sparked significant criticism from Belgian officials.

Balogun received a red card during the U.S. team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in the round of 32. Typically, a red card results in an automatic one-match suspension. However, U.S. Soccer argued that the referees improperly applied replay protocols. Following this, FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun's one-match ban would be suspended for one year, allowing him to play in Monday night's game in Seattle.

This rare disciplinary ruling by FIFA has bolstered the U.S. team, who are aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Belgian officials, including Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. "As a former football referee, I have always been committed to upholding the rules and ensuring decisions are fair. This decision clearly raises many questions," Prévot stated.

He further expressed concern that a potential intervention, such as a phone call from President Trump to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, could undermine the fundamental rules of sports. The Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed on Monday that it was appealing FIFA's decision, stating it had "no alternative" and was "deeply concerned by the course of events."

The association vowed to "continue to fight in the coming hours, days and months in defence of the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole." The appeal is set to be heard by a FIFA member not representing a European or North American federation, with no guarantee of a resolution before kickoff.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever humorously responded to the controversy by posting an image of his cat with a caption suggesting he would play regardless of a red card. Coach Rudi Garcia also made a lighthearted remark about the timing of FIFA's decision, comparing it to an April Fools' Day joke.

While unusual, FIFA has previously suspended red card bans. Notably, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo had two matches of a three-match ban suspended after a red card incident in November, enabling him to play in all of his country's group stage games.