Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has criticised FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s automatic suspension ahead of the United States’ World Cup last-16 clash with his side.
Balogun had been expected to miss Monday’s match after receiving a red card during the USA’s victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the previous round.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the striker’s one-match ban had been lifted, allowing him to feature against Belgium.
The decision prompted a strong reaction from Garcia, who suggested he initially thought the news was a joke.
“I didn’t know that at the World Cup, the 5th of July is actually the first of April – it’s April Fools’,” he said.
The Belgian Football Association later released a statement expressing its dissatisfaction and confirmed it was examining its options in response to the ruling.
Belgium’s federation described itself as “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and argued it contradicted the disciplinary guidelines issued before the tournament.
Garcia insisted the issue went beyond Belgium’s own interests.
“We’re not defending the national team or federation,” he said. “We are defending football.”
Balogun was sent off after a challenge that initially went unpunished before video review resulted in a red card. Under normal circumstances, a one-match suspension automatically follows such dismissals.
The unexpected reversal has raised questions over consistency in the tournament’s disciplinary process, with Belgium unhappy at both the outcome and the timing of the decision.
Courtois focused on the challenge ahead
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acknowledged the late decision had complicated preparations but stressed his side would be ready regardless of Balogun’s availability.
“Had it been done earlier, we’d have been able to be mentally more prepared perhaps,” Courtois said.
“It’s good that we have another training session, but we’ll be ready. We’ll be on the pitch. They have 11 players, not only Balogun.”
Courtois also highlighted the qualities Balogun brings to the American attack.
“He is a very fast striker,” he said. “Maybe a different profile than Pepi. They have a lot of quality up front.”
