Belgium's national team expressed astonishment and vowed to defend the integrity of football after Fifa controversially reversed the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun on the eve of a crucial World Cup knockout match. Coach Rudi Garcia likened the decision to an April Fools' Day prank, while the Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced it was exploring all legal avenues to challenge the ruling.
Garcia and Courtois react to Fifa's decision
During a press conference at Seattle Stadium on Sunday, Garcia and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois struggled to hide their disbelief as a Fifa media officer read the statement confirming Balogun's reinstatement. Garcia stared down the aisle, while Courtois's eyes darted around the room, masking his frustration. "I didn't know that 5 July was equal to 1 April at Fifa," Garcia said in French. He referred to the RBFA's statement, which he said defends not just the national team but football's integrity and ethics.
Courtois deflected a question about fairness, saying, "That's a question for the football world, not for me as a player. It surprises you, especially because it's the day before the game. As a player group, we have to win the game on the field."
RBFA investigates options after Fifa's Article 27 citation
The RBFA released a statement expressing astonishment at Fifa's decision to declare Balogun eligible. Fifa cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which was previously used to clear Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal's opening World Cup game after a red card in a qualifier. The RBFA said it is "investigating all potential options" to safeguard fair play and the legitimate rights of all teams.
Norway coach criticises decision
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken became the first to publicly criticise the reversal, calling it a "big mistake" after his team's 2-0 win over Brazil. "It is not a great conclusion. He got a red card, and the VAR confirmed it. That means a one-game suspension. If the USA beat Belgium, they will always have that asterisk. The Belgians will be furious. What about the next red card? It's a bad decision that will hurt the World Cup," Solbakken said.
