Belgian fans are outraged by Trump's intervention in the World Cup

Belgians harshly criticized FIFA on Monday (6) for its decision to suspend the red card punishment imposed on one of the main United States players before the clash between the two teams in the World Cup, following a personal intervention by American President Donald Trump.

FIFA lifted the red card punishment imposed on striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the next match, after Trump personally asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.

The unprecedented measure put FIFA's disciplinary process in the spotlight and provoked a reaction of outrage from the Brussels public, on the eve of the round of 16 match between Belgium and the United States, on Monday (6), in Seattle.

"What is a red card? When we give a red card, it's because the player made a serious mistake, and that's why he got the red card. So why now the player who shouldn't play anymore, how did he manage to erase that mistake? Did the referee make a mistake in his job? I don't think so," said Therese Kpooubie, who works in the Belgian capital.

"If there was any influence in the decision to allow the player to return to play, honestly, it's just shameful," she said.

Bastien Noel, another pedestrian in Brussels, said the "Red Devils", as the national team is widely known, should use the decision as extra motivation in their quest for victory against the United States.

"If it is confirmed, we will have to accept it. But I don't think it will change the way the Red Devils have to fight on the field and show that this type of situation cannot affect their desire to win and their determination to go further in the competition", he said.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot also expressed disbelief at the situation.

"If it was really this phone call that motivated this incomprehensible decision, then we are disrespecting the most basic rules of football and sport," Prévot said in a statement sent to reporters.

Bill White, US ambassador to Belgium, denied any interference by Trump in the matter.

"President Trump would never interfere in the inner workings of FIFA. President Trump later thanked FIFA," he wrote in an Instagram post.

Kpooubie, wearing earrings in the colors of the Belgian flag, called on his country to seek justice on the football pitch.

"They need to stay focused. They need to shine, they need to succeed. Come on, Red Devils, we're with you. You'll always be the Devils to me, forever!".

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Source: CNN