Belgian FA puts legal action on hold

Published – 01:14

Following their 4-1 victory against the USA in the World Cup round of 16, Belgium said they will keep fighting for the sporting integrity of the game, but have stopped short of pursuing legal action for the moment.

Belgium – USA was overshadowed by the Folarin Balogun scandal before the co-hosts exited in lacklustre fashion to wrap up their World Cup campaign in embarrassing fashion. On Tuesday the world’s media reacted furiously as FIFA came under fire for undermining the sporting integrity of its own competition. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump’s were lambasted for their political interference in the game. The Belgian FA said they will keep fighting for football’s sporting integrity, pursuing the correct application of FIFA regulations.

In a statement, the Belgian FA wrote: “The RBFA remains committed to advocating for a review of the current FIFA regulations and their application.”

“The RBFA firmly believes that international football is best served by a disciplinary and governance framework that fully upholds the principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment and fair play.”

After their win, Belgium trolled the US, Trump and Infantino. The team’s social media account posted: ‘Overturn this’. In the dressing room, the Belgian players were seen dancing to YMCA, mocking Trump and one his campaign songs.

However, one voice has been remarkably absent from the entire debate – that of Belgian FA president Pascale Van Damme, who also serves as a FIFA Council member, which comes with an annual remuneration of $250,000. It is understood that Van Damme does not want to upset the FIFA hierarchy.

The statement continued: “Clear procedures, respect for the rights of defence and the consistent application of the regulations are essential to maintaining the confidence of member associations, coaches, players, supporters and all other stakeholders in our sport.”

“Regardless of the sporting outcome, the RBFA will continue to advocate for the correct and consistent application of these principles by FIFA, ensuring that any form of arbitrariness is avoided. In doing so, we feel supported by millions of football fans around the world, as well as by many other member associations.”