Folarin Balogun confirms he was not involved in getting Belgium ban overturned | OneFootball

Folarin Balogun has acknowledged the "controversial" decision that allowed him to play for the United States against Belgium on Monday, but insisted he played no part in the process.

His inclusion came despite a red card in the previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an automatic one-match ban controversially suspended.

The circumstances surrounding the decision remain unclear, though Donald Trump confirmed he personally lobbied his Fifa counterpart Gianni Infantino on the topic.

Balogun’s presence ultimately did not prevent the US from suffering a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, and Fifa continues to face scrutiny over alleged political interference. Infantino maintains that the decision to suspend the ban rested solely with Fifa’s independent disciplinary committee.

Speaking after the match, Balogun told reporters: "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."

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Donald Trump revealed he lobbied Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s red card (Getty)

Balogun revealed he had sought out Belgium coach Rudi Garcia after the match to congratulate him on the Red Devils’ victory. Garcia commented: "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 yet stated whether it considers the matter closed or if it will pursue further action, following the dismissal of its appeal against the Balogun decision earlier on Monday.

Fifa’s disciplinary committee issued comments confirming it applied Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, which permits the discretionary suspension of disciplinary measures. However, Article 66.4 of the same code stipulates that a sending-off "automatically" incurs suspension from the subsequent match.

Sources close to Fifa had indicated last week that Balogun would serve a minimum one-match ban, with potential for extension.

The committee stated Article 27 was applied due to "specific circumstances" in Balogun’s case, without elaborating further. This discretionary use of Article 27 appears to open Fifa to challenges on all ‘automatic’ suspensions moving forward in this World Cup, with the Football Association reportedly considering its options regarding the red card shown to defender Jarell Quansah against Mexico.

Uefa declared on Monday that Fifa had "crossed a red line" in making the Balogun decision. However, the world governing body countered that such challenges and overturns are 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."

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Mauricio Pochettino insisted the Balogun controversy did not affect his team’s performance (PA Wire)

FA rules contain specific provisions for challenging wrongful dismissals, with written reasons for rescinded cards 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 Balogun’s clearance.

"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."