DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Sports

Belgium Coach Slams FIFA's 'Joke' Decision to Suspend US Striker's Ban

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Belgium's national football team coach Rudi Garcia expressed outrage over FIFA's decision to suspend striker Folarin Balogun's red card ban.
  • The suspension came just before Belgium's World Cup Round of 16 match against the United States.
  • Belgium's football federation is considering legal options, citing the decision contradicts FIFA's disciplinary code.

Belgium's national football team coach Rudi Garcia has strongly criticized FIFA's decision to suspend the red card ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, calling it a "joke" just a day before the two teams were set to face off in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. Garcia expressed disbelief at the timing and nature of the decision, which he felt undermined established regulations.

"I didn't know that July 5 at the World Cup was April 1. It's like April Fools' Day," Garcia stated during a press conference on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Balogun had received a straight red card during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Following a VAR review, the referee sent off the 25-year-old forward for a serious foul on an opponent. Under standard competition rules, a direct red card typically results in an automatic one-match suspension.

I didn't know that July 5 at the World Cup was April 1. It's like April Fools' Day.

— Rudi GarciaExpressing disbelief and frustration over FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's red card ban.

However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend Balogun's sanction, allowing him to play against Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6, 2026. This decision has infuriated the Royal Belgian FA (RBFA). In an official statement, the RBFA declared its shock, asserting that FIFA's ruling contradicts both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the 2026 World Cup Regulations, both of which clearly stipulate that a direct red card leads to a ban from the subsequent match.

Adding to Belgium's anger, reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the matter. The Belgian Federation stated it is exploring all available legal avenues in response to FIFA's decision. Garcia clarified that Belgium's protest is not solely aimed at gaining an advantage but is a defense of consistency within the rules of football. "We are not defending the national team or the federation. We are defending football," he asserted.

We are not defending the national team or the federation. We are defending football.

— Rudi GarciaExplaining that Belgium's protest is about upholding the integrity of football rules.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog