Fifa suspend Folarin Balogun World Cup ban after Donald Trump call
Fifa has suspended a red card ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s World Cup last-16 match against Belgium following a direct telephone call from President Donald Trump.
The unprecedented decision by world football’s governing body means the punishment is suspended rather than formally rescinded.
It makes the 25-year-old forward available for the crucial knockout tie in Seattle.
The Brooklyn-born attacker was dismissed during Wednesday’s round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a video review caught him planting his boot into Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.
Pochettino welcomes ‘fair’ decision
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has warmly welcomed the ruling, despite acknowledging the controversial nature of political involvement.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager insisted his side had already suffered enough after playing with ten men for 35 minutes of their previous fixture.
I think everyone who really looked at the sport and trusts in ethics and integrity should celebrate that decision.
The Argentine tactician stated he was completely uninvolved in the appeal process, only discovering the outcome shortly before a team training session.
The 52-year-old manager was also quick to stress that political pressure should never dictate sporting regulations, despite benefiting from this exact scenario.
Belgium coach brands ruling an ‘April Fool’
The controversial reversal has not been well received in the Belgian camp ahead of their pivotal clash.
Belgium boss Rudi Garcia reportedly likened the unexpected ruling to a practical joke, describing it as feeling like “April Fool’s Day”.
While Pochettino expressed understanding for his opposite number’s frustration, he maintained that the outcome represented global sporting justice.
A crucial boost for American hopes
Having the former Arsenal youngster available provides a massive lift for a home side already dealing with high-profile injuries.
He has been his nation’s standout performer and top scorer at the tournament, stepping up brilliantly in the absence of injured talisman Christian Pulisic.
Despite the attacking reinforcement, Pochettino warned that their European opponents remain one of the finest sides in world football.
The Belgian heavyweights previously dismantled the North American outfit 5-2 in a warm-up fixture this past March.
However, backed by a famously vocal Seattle crowd acting as their 12th man, the hosts are determined to make history by advancing to the quarter-finals.