15.07.2026, 02:42 Uhr
United States forward Folarin Balogun said that he knew FIFA's decision to allow him play against Belgium in the World Cup last 16 was "going to cause a lot of controversy."
Balogun was one of the key players for co-hosts US during the tournament, but he was initially suspended for the match against Belgium after he was sent off during the round of 32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA, however, suspended the ban in a near unprecedented move so he could play against Belgium, while rejecting a Belgian appeal.
"My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team, but when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy, and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it's something that's so unique," Balogun told CBS Mornings on Tuesday.
"The closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could, but it was difficult. A lot of outside noise, and that's hard to avoid."
The decision was heavily criticized, with critics accusing governing body FIFA of giving in to alleged political meddling.
US President Donald Trump admitted that he asked for a review because "I didn't think it was a foul."
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino stressed that Trump's call in no way influenced the decision.
In the end, Balogun had a minimal impact on the match against Belgium as the European nation went on to win 4-1 and advance to the quarter-finals.
Source: Dpa-international.com
