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Belgium Appeals Folarin Balogun's Suspension Ahead of World Cup Clash

Folarin Balogun during a World Cup match
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Belgium has been granted a last-minute appeal after Folarin Balogun's one-game FIFA World Cup ban was suspended on Sunday, according to The Athletic.

Both the United States and Belgium must submit their arguments to a FIFA appeals committee by 5 AM on Monday, just hours before their Round of 16 matchup in Seattle.

Belgium is reportedly frustrated with the quick deadline, as the initial decision was not made public.

The individual hearing the case will have no affiliation with FIFA, UEFA, or CONCACAF.

Balogun's status has been a roller coaster over the past 24 hours.

He woke up Sunday believing he would miss the crucial contest after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.

However, reports emerged that his automatic punishment would be shelved while officials reviewed the controversial red card, making him available for Monday's game.

President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and later celebrated the suspension on social media, calling the initial move a "great injustice."

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter criticized the intervention, stating, "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls.

They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies."

"If a U. S.

President intervenes with the FIFA President -- and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match -- the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?"

Blatter added.

There is no guarantee the appeal decision will be reached before the game begins. The situation remains fluid.

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