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White House urged FIFA to review Balogun's red card; Belgium coach reacts
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White House urged FIFA to review Balogun's red card; Belgium coach reacts

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Unnamed sources Outcome reported
  • The White House reportedly asked FIFA to review Folarin Balogun's red card, which was later rescinded.
  • Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia expressed surprise and frustration over the decision, calling it unprecedented.
  • Despite the controversy, Garcia stated it doesn't change Belgium's focus ahead of their World Cup match against the US.

The White House intervened in a World Cup disciplinary matter, requesting FIFA President Gianni Infantino review the red card issued to U.S. player Folarin Balogun. The request, made by an individual familiar with the communication, led to the subsequent revocation of Balogun's one-match suspension. Former U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the decision, thanking FIFA for "doing the right thing" and reversing "a great injustice."

Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!

— Donald TrumpCelebrating the rescinded red card for Folarin Balogun.

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended the match ban for Balogun, who was sent off in the round of 16 match against Bosnia. This decision allows the American forward to play in the upcoming knockout stage match against Belgium. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia.

I didn't know that July 5th had become April Fools' Day.

— Rudi GarciaExpressing surprise at FIFA's decision to overturn Balogun's suspension.

Garcia expressed bewilderment at the decision, questioning if July 5th had become "April Fools' Day." He stated that the Belgian federation stands by its communication and defends the integrity of football, calling the decision "unprecedented in the history of the World Cup." Despite his strong reaction, Garcia insisted that Balogun's potential presence on the field "changes nothing" for his team's strategy.

It is the first time in the history of the World Cup that a decision of this nature has been made.

— Rudi GarciaCommenting on the unprecedented nature of FIFA's ruling.

"I focus on my team, regardless of the starting lineup of the United States. I focus on my team and on victory to reach the quarterfinals," Garcia declared during a press conference. He urged reporters to focus on sporting matters, stating, "Don't waste time talking about this. We want to focus on sports issues."

I focus on my team, regardless of the starting lineup of the United States. I focus on my team and on victory to reach the quarterfinals.

— Rudi GarciaStating Belgium's focus remains on their own game despite the controversy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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