Belgium enjoyed the last laugh over USA after Balogun’s World Cup scandal
July 7 – In the biggest sporting event in the history of the World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and American President Donald Trump conspired to free Folarin Balogun to play for the United States in their sixteenth round against Belgium and undermined the sporting integrity of the tournament, but Rudi Garcia’s team cleared the ground with the participants.
FIFA rules prohibit political interference, but on Monday, Trump confirmed that he had asked Infantino to review Balogun’s red card suspension. Infantino and his organization quickly realized that Trump’s wishes were being followed.
After FIFA gave way, the world’s governing body’s disciplinary committee dismissed a legal challenge in Belgium eight hours before kick-off.
The Belgians asked for written reasons for the decision but did not receive them, and FIFA decided that their request amounted to an unfounded appeal, and dismissed it. The Belgian FA (RBFA) described this as a “violation of FIFA rules” and added that it “informs the United States Soccer Federation that it disputes the eligibility of the player, if the player is listed on the referee’s team list on paper.”
Under pressure, Infantino released his unconvincing statement. He elaborated on the phone call with Trump: “I explained that there is an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent bodies and that the case will be decided later by the appropriate bodies.”
He continued: “I read the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are expelled, sometimes they surprise me.
In its decision, FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which states that the “judicial body” can “fully or partially suspend the implementation of disciplinary measures.”
Faced with self-inflicted embarrassment, FIFA desperately sought to muddy the waters, arguing that the one-match ban had not been finalized but an investigation had been carried out.
UEFA criticized FIFA for the “inexplicable and unfair decision” and warned “the integrity of the game is at risk.”
In a statement, along with UEFA, the Norwegian Football Federation and its President Lise Klaveness criticized FIFA, saying “there is reason to be concerned about the integrity of the competition, political interference in sports matters and the integrity of football.”
The Swiss FA followed: “The integrity of the competition depends on clear rules that are consistently applied.” However, there is no statement from the English FA.
It is also understood that Belgian FA president Pascale Van Damme was determined to toe the line for the FIFA club. Van Damme is a member of the FIFA council, which earns him $250,000 a year.
FIFA has been fired. The body’s disciplinary committee said in a lengthy statement, full of legalese but little ground that “reviewing the official consequences of red cards in football is nothing new in the modern game.” However, when Inside World Football wrote to FIFA seeking a list of examples of this happening to UEFA affiliates, it did not receive a response.
After a ridiculous day of statements, back-and-forth and politics, the two teams went to the stadium together with Seattle and played for a place in the last eight against Spain. Balogun was on the sideline when the home team lost 4-1. Belgium had the last word. Their official social media account hit out at US Soccer, FIFA and Trump, writing: “Turn this around.”
Contact the author of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]
