BRUSSELS — Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has described FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun as “incomprehensible,” hours before Belgium’s World Cup Round of 16 match against the United States.
Prévot made the remarks on Monday, escalating political reaction ahead of the high-stakes knockout fixture.
The controversy centres on FIFA’s reported decision to lift a red-card suspension that had initially ruled Balogun out of the match. The reversal has drawn attention across football and political circles, with questions raised over the timing and transparency of disciplinary procedures during the tournament.
The governing body, FIFA, has not provided a detailed public explanation for the decision, and has not commented on the criticism from Belgian officials.
The United States forward is now expected to be available for selection in the match against Belgium, a fixture that carries significant implications for progression to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Belgian authorities have not indicated any formal diplomatic action but the Foreign Minister’s comments reflect growing frustration within Belgium’s political establishment as the match approaches.
The United States and Belgium are set to meet later on Monday in one of the tournament’s most closely watched knockout games.
