Belgians Not Letting Scandal Go. They're Pushing FIFA Again

"The RBFA is proud of how the 'Red Devils' responded on the pitch. At the same time, it will continue to address the ongoing FIFA matter off the pitch. The RBFA firmly believes that international football is best served by a disciplinary and regulatory framework that fully adheres to the principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment, and fair play," the federation stated in an official announcement.

FIFA allowed Balogun to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 after he received a red card in the Round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. An automatic one-match ban was expected, but FIFA overturned this suspension. Concurrently, they also rejected Belgium's appeal.

Critics accused FIFA's governing body of alleged political interference after US President Donald Trump admitted he requested a review because he "didn't think it was a foul." Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 in the Round of 16 match, advancing to the quarter-finals. The 25-year-old Balogun played until the 89th minute.

"Regardless of the sporting outcome, the RBFA will continue to advocate for the correct and consistent application of principles by FIFA and in an effort to ensure that any form of arbitrariness is avoided," the RBFA stated. Belgium will face European champions Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday.