Folarin Balogun confirms he had no involvement in overturning Belgium game ban

By Jamie Gardner, Press Association Chief Sports Reporter

Folarin Balogun accepts the decision to clear him to play for the United States against Belgium on Monday was “controversial” but insisted he played no part in the process.

The circumstances surrounding the decision to suspend an automatic one-match ban for the red card Balogun was shown in the previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina remain unclear, although US President Donald Trump has confirmed he personally lobbied his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino on the topic.

Balogun’s inclusion did not prevent the US slipping to a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, and now FIFA continues to face questions around political interference despite Infantino’s insistence that the decision to suspend the ban rested solely with FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee.

Balogun told reporters after the match: “Of course, it’s controversial when the decision is overturned.

“We accepted the decision when I saw the red card, and we accepted the decision when we were told I could play.

“I was not involved in the process. It had nothing to do with me personally.”

Balogun revealed he had sought out Belgium coach Rudi Garcia after the match to congratulate him on the Red Devils’ victory, on which Garcia said: “He came to me, I liked that. He’s not to blame. He didn’t do anything wrong. I respect him.”

The Belgian football association (RBFA) has not stated yet whether it considers the result to be the end of the matter or whether it will take further action, with its appeal against the Balogun decision having been dismissed earlier on Monday.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee has issued comments on the decision to suspend Balogun’s red card, confirming the committee applied Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code – which allows the discretionary suspension of disciplinary measures.

However, Article 66.4 of the same code states that a sending-off “automatically” incurs suspension from the subsequent match and sources close to FIFA had indicated last week that Balogun would serve a minimum one-match ban, with the possibility that it could even be extended.

The comments said Article 27 had been applied due to the “specific circumstances” in the Balogun case, but did not elaborate further on what those circumstances were.

The discretionary use of Article 27 appears to open FIFA up to challenges on all ‘automatic’ suspensions moving forward in this World Cup – with the Football Association considering its options in regard to the red card shown to defender Jarell Quansah against Mexico.

UEFA said on Monday that FIFA had “crossed a red line” in making the Balogun decision but the world governing body said such challenges and overturns were common in European leagues, stating: “Reviewing the legal consequences of red cards in football is nothing new in the modern game.

“For instance, in the majority of top-tier leagues belonging to UEFA-affiliated member associations – the overturning of red cards is a common disciplinary measure, yet this has never raised concerns about crossing any ‘red line’.

“And again, it should be emphasised that in the decision under scrutiny, the red card was not overturned. Suspending the effects of a red card based on an explicit provision of the applicable regulations is a much more balanced measure.”

FA rules contain specific provisions for challenging wrongful dismissals, and written reasons for the rescinding of cards are published.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted his disappointment at the “politics and manipulation” which overshadowed his team’s World Cup exit, appearing to direct his frustration at those who questioned the fact Balogun had been cleared.

“It didn’t affect our performance. It’s not an excuse. It wasn’t our day,” the Argentinian said.

“But in a personal way, what is the point to insult or receive a lot of bad messages?

“It’s a rule for the federation to apply and to try (to overturn the ban). My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA allow for you to have the player, it’s not a problem.

“I feel disappointed with too many people. They put politics and manipulation, talk about ethics and integrity (first). If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in a personal way.”