The lifting of the suspension of American footballer Folarin Balogun in the FIFA World Cup has been embroiled in controversy. It is alleged that this decision was taken after the intervention of US President Donald Trump. Belgium has expressed strong protest on this.
New York: A major controversy has arisen due to the lifting of the suspension of American footballer Folarin Balogun just before the pre-quarterfinal match of the FIFA World Cup. The United States is scheduled to face Belgium and Balogun’s ban was lifted just before the match. Allegations are being made that this decision has been taken after the intervention of US President Donald Trump. Balogun received a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after which he was certain to be banned for one match. But FIFA suddenly changed its decision and said that under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, his automatic suspension has been put into a probationary period (a kind of monitoring period). With this decision, Balogun became eligible to play in the pre-quarterfinals.
Thierry Henry raised questions on timing
Famous football expert Thierry Henry has expressed his displeasure over the timing of this decision. He told Fox Sports, ‘Whether the decision is right or wrong is a different matter, but why so long? The Belgian team must be preparing with a special strategy. This sudden decision will spoil their entire plan. Henry also said that he did not think Balogun’s foul deserved a red card, but that FIFA’s last-minute decision could demoralize the Belgian team.
Strong opposition from Belgium
The Royal Belgian Football Association has expressed surprise at this decision of FIFA and said that they are considering taking legal action against it. Belgium cited FIFA disciplinary code 66.4, saying that if a red card is received, automatic suspension in the next match is a mandatory rule. The association said, ‘This rule applied to all other players in this World Cup, then why was Balogun alone given this special exemption? This cannot be accepted.
Balogun, a key player in the American forward line, has scored three goals so far in this tournament. His presence will strengthen the American team, but this decision of FIFA has created a big controversy outside the field.