Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has strongly criticised International Federation of Association Football’s (FIFA) decision to suspend a one-match ban for United States (US) striker, Folarin Balogun, saying the unprecedented move was against the spirit of the game.
It’s reported that FIFA took the decision following a call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
US and Belgium fans were also united in shared surprise ahead of Monday’s round of 16 match between the two countries in Seattle.
In a controversial and unprecedented move, FIFA is allowing Balogun to play without rescinding the red card.
Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup in the 2-0 win over Bosnia, but was shown a red card after a Video Assistant Referee review in the second half for a dangerous tackle.
FIFA suspended his automatic one match ban with giving an explanation and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia voiced his displeasure.
Belgium Coach Rudi Garcia says: “I didn’t realise that, at FIFA headquarters, July 5 was the equivalent of April 1 in Europe. That was news to me. I think we should refer to the comprehensive statement issued by my federation, The Football Association isn’t defending itself, nor is it defending the national team; it’s defending football in general, the integrity and ethics. As far as I can recall, I think this is the first time in the history of the World Cup that such a decision has been made”
It’s reported that Trump called Infantino to ask world soccer’s governing body to review the sending-off, according to a source briefed on the call.
Trump then took to social media to thank the governing body for reversing what he called, a great injustice.
The decision has also left many fans in a state of shock.
“Obviously, as a US supporter, I’m quite happy with it, but I definitely understand the other side and how it’s pretty unprecedented. I don’t know. It’s kind of a difficult situation to be in, I think. Obviously happy to have him (US striker Folarin Balogun) back. He’s one of our best players, but I understand the Belgian perspective as well”
“So, I think it was an unfair red, and I think a lot of the football insiders have kind of agreed with that. But once you give a red, it’s a red.”
Meanwhile, five-time FIFA World Cup champions, Brazil, were knocked out of this year’s tournament by Norway.
They missed a penalty in the first half and never recovered from that.
Erling Halaand’s brace in the second half was enough to send the Scandanavians to the quarterfinals.
Brazil were awarded another penalty deep into stoppage time, which Neymar duly converted as consolation.
And Mexico became the second host nation to exit the World Cup when they lost to ten-man England 3-2.
A brace from Jude Bellingham gave the three lions the perfect start in Mexico City.
But in-form striker Julian Quinones pulled one back for the hosts to give them a glimmer of hope.
England were then under pressure after Jarrel Quansah was sent off but were immediately awarded a penalty after Anthony Gordon was fouled in the box.
Talisman Harry Kane stepped up to convert the crucial penalty to make it 3-1.
The home team were also awarded a penalty which was netted by Raul Jimenez, but by then, the writing was on the wall for Mexico.
–SABC–
