FIFA to amend rules after Balogun case, but Belgium wants more answers

FIFA pledges to amend rules on disciplinary suspensions following the Balogun case, with changes to be presented in December; Belgium seeks clarity on Trump's involvement.

FIFA has committed to revising Article 27 of its disciplinary code governing the modification of suspensions under exceptional circumstances, following the controversial case of US forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun was initially suspended for the knockout stage of the World Cup after receiving a red card, but FIFA converted the ban to a conditional suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium—a decision that drew scrutiny after Donald Trump publicly acknowledged calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The Belgian Football Association, which protested the ruling at the time, welcomed the promised rule changes but is demanding further clarification on the criteria applied and Trump's role in the decision. The amendments will be presented to the FIFA Council on 16 December in Doha.