The report says Balogun was sent off for the United States against Bosnia and Herzegovina, before becoming eligible to face Belgium in the World Cup last 16 after ’s disciplinary committee suspended the ban.
The decision has drawn attention because disciplinary rulings are judged not only by their outcome, but by the consistency and transparency of the process behind them. Belgium’s football association is reportedly considering its legal options, adding pressure for to explain the reasoning and authority behind the suspension.
For Hewitt, who is both an FA chair and a vice-president, the issue appears to be about accountability as much as one player’s availability.
The report also says Hewitt has requested an independent review of ’s proposal to sell 20% of a new company handling commercial rights for the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The plan has reportedly faced opposition from three continental confederations. ’s management board promised a review after Infantino apologised on 5 August for the process used to develop the proposal, but the identity of the body conducting that review has not been made clear.
That uncertainty makes the investment plan a broader test of trust. Commercial expansion is central to ’s strategy, but opposition from multiple confederations raises questions about consultation and oversight.
The reported timetable now matters. UEFA is seeking documents related to the proposal and is expected to pursue a challenger to Infantino at Congress in March, with candidates due by 18 November. will need to provide clarity on both the Balogun decision and the investment review before those political deadlines arrive.