Rusty Shackelford

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🚨⚠️ OFFICIAL: Belgian Federation inform US Soccer they will contest Balogun’s eligibility after the game, if selected. “The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet”. “This leaves all further actions open.”

🚨 Exclusive: The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card. FIFA approached for comment and referred to the findings of its independent committee. FIFA sources insist White House influence could not affect the decision due to the powers contained in Article 27 and the independent nature of the disciplinary panel.

🚨 Folarin Balogun is eligible to play against Belgium. FIFA sources had insisted US Soccer had no appeal. Sources say US Soccer did not attempt one as a result. And Balogun had spoken on Monday here in Seattle about missing the game telling us, “I have to accept it…” Yet FIFA have decided to hand Balogun a suspended one-game ban, which is in their powers as per Article 27. The red card stands but Balogun is free to play. Cristiano Ronaldo also given a suspended ban before the tournament allowing him to play Portugal’s opening World Cup games.