Belgium have expressed outrage over FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to feature in Monday’s FIFA Club World Cup clash against Belgium.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia criticized the decision, describing it as unbelievable.
“I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the 1st of April. It’s April Fools,” Garcia said.
He insisted that Belgium’s reaction was not only about protecting the national team but also about defending the integrity of the game.
“We’re not defending the national team or federation, we are defending football,” he added.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) also released an official statement expressing shock at FIFA’s ruling.
“The RBFA is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday,” the statement read.
