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SportsBelgium escalates FIFA conflict over training pitch quality at World Cup
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Belgium has escalated its conflict with FIFA during the 2026 World Cup, this time over the quality of its training pitch in Los Angeles. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) stated that upon arriving at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), the playing surface did not meet minimum standards. FIFA granted Belgium's request to relocate to LA Galaxy's training facilities in Carson ahead of their quarterfinal against Spain. This follows Belgium's earlier formal objection to FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card ban, which allowed him to play against Belgium in the round-of-32. Belgium won that match 4-1, eliminating the co-hosts. The RBFA continues to seek an explanation from FIFA regarding the Balogun suspension, which FIFA's appeal committee deemed inadmissible.
Source report
By: Ben Burrows and Adam Crafton
Belgium has renewed its hostilities with FIFA at the World Cup — this time over its training pitch.
The country’s federation is continuing to pursue an explanation from world soccer’s governing body regarding its decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-game red card ban, which allowed him to face Belgium with the United States in the round-of-32 on Monday.
Now, Belgium has taken aim at its training facilities in Los Angeles.
Statement from the RBFA
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said that upon arriving at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) — where the team was scheduled to begin its quarterfinal preparations — an inspection of the proposed training pitch:
“showed that the quality of the playing surface did not meet the minimum standards required for our training session.”
The RBFA subsequently asked FIFA to relocate the team’s training base, a request that was granted.
New Training Venue
The team will now use MLS side LA Galaxy’s training facilities in Carson ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal against Spain at SoFi Stadium.
The Athletic has approached LMU for comment.
Background: Balogun Red Card Dispute
- Belgium formally objected to the decision to suspend Balogun’s one-game ban, stating it had “no alternative” but to do so.
- FIFA disagreed, with its appeal committee deeming the appeal “inadmissible” as Belgium was “not a party to the proceedings.”
- Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia joked prior to the game that he wondered if the whole situation was an April Fools prank.
- Garcia then guided his team to a comprehensive 4-1 win over the co-hosts in Seattle, knocking them out of the tournament.
Source
Soccer - The AthleticWestern
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