Belgium coach blasts FIFA after overturning Balogun's World Cup suspension

Rudi Garcia, Belgium coach, harshly criticized FIFA after the entity reversed the suspension of striker Balogun, from the United States. The decision allows the player to play in the round of 16 of the World Cup against Belgium itself.

Garcia expressed his outrage at the measure, stating that FIFA took a decision "never before" seen in the history of the tournament. He stressed that his position defends the ethics and history of football, and not just his national team.

"I didn't know that July 5th was the same as April 1st in FIFA. It is necessary to remember our statement. Much of what I feel is there. We are not defending the national team or the (Belgian) confederation, we are defending football, its ethics and history. It is the first time in the history of the World Cup that a decision like this has been taken", declared the coach.

Remember the controversy with Balogun
FIFA issued a statement this Sunday (5) informing the suspension of Balogun's red card. With this, the North American striker is cleared for the decisive round of 16 clash.

The game between Belgium and the United States takes place this Monday (6), at 9pm (Brasília time). The match will be played at Lumen Field, in Seattle, United States.

Balogun had received a straight red card during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia, in a previous game of the competition.

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Source: CNN