He criticized Belgium coach Rudi Garcia FIFA Decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s automatic suspension before the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 match with his team.
Balogun was expected to miss Monday’s match after receiving a red card during the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the striker’s one-match ban had been lifted, allowing him to participate against Belgium.
The decision sparked a strong reaction from Garcia, who indicated that he initially thought the news was a joke.
“I didn’t know that in the World Cup, July 5 is actually April 1, it’s April Fools’ Day,” he said.
The Belgian Football Association later issued a statement expressing its dissatisfaction and confirming that it was considering its options in response to the ruling.
The Belgian Federation described itself as “surprised” by FIFA’s decision and said it contravened the disciplinary guidelines issued before the tournament.
Garcia insisted that the issue went beyond Belgium’s own interests.
He said: “We do not defend the national team or the federation.” “We defend football”
Balogun was sent off after the challenge initially went unpunished before a video review resulted in a red card. Under normal circumstances, a one-match ban automatically follows such a dismissal.
This unexpected decline raised questions about the consistency of the disciplinary procedures at the tournament, as Belgium was not happy with the result and the timing of the decision.
Courtois focused on the challenge ahead of him
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted that the late decision complicated preparations, but stressed that his team would be ready regardless of Balogun’s participation.
“If it had been done earlier, we could have been more mentally prepared,” Courtois said.
“It’s good to have another training session, but we will be ready. We will be on the field. They have 11 players, not just Balogun.”
Courtois also highlighted the qualities Balogun brings to the American attack.
He added: “He is a very fast striker.” “Maybe he has a different profile to Pepe. They have a lot of quality up front.”
