"I was not involved": Balogun speaks out after expulsion controversy
Folarin Balogun, striker for the United States National Team, broke his silence and commented on the controversy surrounding the reversal of his suspension by FIFA. The player spoke after the team's defeat to Belgium, in the round of 16 of the World Cup, this Monday (6), recognizing the "controversial" nature of the decision.
The controversy arose because FIFA reversed the red card received by Balogun in a previous match, which allowed him to participate in the decisive clash. The measure was influenced by a call from Donald Trump, president of the USA, to the entity's president, Gianni Infantino.
"Of course it is controversial when the decision is reversed," Balogun said. The attacker, however, exempted himself from any direct participation in the reversal process. "I was not involved in the process. It had nothing to do with me personally," he said, saying he just accepted the decision.
Understand the case
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend the effects of the red card that Folarin Balogun had received in the USA's victory over Bosnia. This decision guaranteed the striker's presence in the round of 16 against Belgium.
Balogun, number 20, was sent off after committing a harsh foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic, 18 minutes into the second half. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus reviewed the move in VAR before issuing the expulsion.
FIFA justified the revocation of the suspension based on article 27 of the Disciplinary Code. This article authorizes the entity's judicial body to suspend, in whole or in part, the application of a disciplinary measure.
Top scorer for the United States team at the World Cup, with three goals, Balogun was one of the main highlights of the team led by coach Pochettino at the World Cup.
Uefa blasts FIFA for releasing Balogun for the World Cup: "He crossed a red line"
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Source: CNN