​SEATTLE — Although he claimed no involvement in the decision, United States forward Folarin Balogun wasn’t surprised by the controversy over his sudden availability for the round of 16. Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium after a one-game ban he had received for a red card in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina was lifted, a move that stunned many in FIFA circles. After the USMNT’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium ended their World Cup run, Balogun spoke for the first time about the situation since being cleared to play.
“When that decision’s overturned, of course it’s going to be controversial,” he said. “So for me, it didn’t surprise me too much. But as a player, my job is just to go out there and focus on my job.”
According to FIFA rules, a player who earns a red card in the World Cup must miss the next match, regardless of the round. Balogun said he accepted the ruling and expected to miss the round of 16, but a day before the match FIFA announced the suspension would not apply against Belgium. The decision’s significance grew when President Donald Trump revealed he had urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reverse the suspension.
With that political angle, Balogun said all he knew was that he wouldn’t play until he was cleared, adding there wasn’t much more he could say about the matter. “I had to respect this protocol. I didn’t know a lot about it. I accepted the decision when I received the red card and I accepted the decision when I was told I could play. I didn’t have any involvement in the process and that’s not something that has anything to do with me personally.”
Belgium’s federation voiced disappointment with the ruling, and coach Rudi Garcia noted a few hours after the decision that he “thought the World Cup was in July, not April.” “It’s now April Fools,” he said. “We’re not defending the national team or the federation. We’re defending football.” There was brief speculation about possible tension between Belgium personnel and Balogun, but nothing negative materialized on the field. After Belgium’s win, Garcia and Balogun exchanged compliments; Balogun congratulated the winning coach, and Garcia thanked him for his effort and encouraged him to be proud of his performance. “It’s not his fault. He’s not the one to blame, and I told him that,” Garcia said.