United States coach Mauricio Pochettino has voiced his full support for FIFA’s extraordinary decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, insisting the sentence upholds the principles of “ethics and integrity” as the co-hosts prepare for a 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 clash against Belgium.The decision, which also prompted US President Donald Trump to publicly thank FIFA, has become one of the tournament’s most controversial talking points, with Belgium threatening to explore legal options and several coaches questioning the precedent it sets.
“Everyone should celebrate”: Pochettino defends FIFA’s decision
Speaking ahead of Monday’s clash, Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s move to make Balogun available following the striker’s controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.“I think everyone who really looks at the sport and believes in ethics and integrity should celebrate this decision,” Pochettino told reporters.The former Argentina international argued that the United States had already suffered enough during their 2-0 Round of 32 victory when Balogun was dismissed in the 64th minute following a VAR review.“We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing with 10 men for 35 minutes after a decision that was completely unfair,” he said.Pochettino also said he was not surprised that President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to seek a review of the incident.“I came from a culture, Argentina or Europe, that football, football is a religion, more than religion,” said Pochettino. “If we keep going, pushing, maybe one more step tomorrow you will see that sport is magical, that sport is amazing, it is so powerful, it unites people, it unites a country like us.”
Referee Raphael Claus shows a red card to Folarin Balogun (R) of the United States. (AP Photo)
Trump welcomes reversal; Belgian smoke
According to reports, Trump called Infantino after the Bosnia match to ask FIFA to review the red card shown to Balogun, who is the United States’ top scorer with three goals in the tournament.After FIFA’s announcement, Trump praised the governing body on social media.“Thanks to FIFA for doing the right thing, and putting an end to a great injustice!” he wroteFIFA said the suspension was lifted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, placing Balogun on a one-year probationary period. If he commits a similar offense during this period, the suspended sanction would automatically come into effect.The move appears to be the first time since the 1962 World Cup that a player sent off during the tournament has avoided serving the automatic suspension.
Belgium questions the legality of the decision
The Royal Belgian Football Association reacted angrily, describing itself as “surprised” by FIFA’s decision and questioning its legal basis.While acknowledging FIFA’s reliance on Article 27, the RBFA argued that Article 66.4 of the Disciplinary Code clearly mandates an automatic suspension after a red card, noting that any other dismissal at this World Cup has resulted in a one-match ban.Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also mocked the timing of the decision.“I didn’t know that in the FIFA offices, the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe,” Garcia joked, likening the decision to an April Fool’s joke.The Belgian federation said it was exploring “all potential options” to protect “fundamental principles of fair play”, while Norway coach Ståle Solbakken warned the decision could set a dangerous precedent for future disciplinary decisions.
