FIFA’s decision to let Folarin Balogun face Belgium after his red card has put football’s own rulebook under the spotlight. Celtic supporters have seen enough over the years to know why that matters.
The Royal Belgian Football Association has challenged FIFA’s decision to make Balogun available for the USA’s World Cup clash with Belgium after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The controversy only intensified after the White House publicly welcomed Balogun’s availability on social media.
Celtic supporters have seen enough contentious decisions over the years to know one thing. If the rulebook points one way and the decision goes another, questions follow.
Celtic supporters have debated football’s authorities for years. Is FIFA any different? Have your say below.
Belgium believe FIFA have got this wrong
Belgium’s statement cites Article 66.4 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, Article 10.5 of the World Cup regulations and Circular No.16, all of which it says make Balogun’s suspension automatic.
FIFA has relied on Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows the enforcement of a sanction to be suspended.
If Article 27 allows an automatic suspension to be put on hold, FIFA should explain exactly how and when that power applies.
Why this matters to Celtic supporters
FIFA believe Article 27 covers this decision. Belgium say Articles 66.4 and 10.5 say otherwise. Those are two very different readings of the same rulebook.
Balogun has now been cleared to face Belgium, with his ban suspended rather than removed.
Reports of political involvement have made the row even noisier, although FIFA has not said outside pressure played a part in its decision.
Celtic supporters are regularly told the rules are clear. If FIFA believe Article 27 changes the effect of an automatic suspension, they should show supporters how.
Until FIFA does that, the questions are not going away.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
