Amid the controversy surrounding the inclusion of United States striker Folarin Balogun, the player completed a selfless gesture to Belgium coach Rudi Garcia.
After Belgium thrashed the Americans 4-1 in the Round of 16 at the World Cup, the striker and coach met up to clear the air of tension cloaking the match.
Balogun was initially set to miss the match after picking up a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. But FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee put a probationary period on Balogun’s suspension and allowed him to take the field.
Garcia and plenty of others blasted the decision from FIFA in the aftermath – protesting his inclusion in the contest.
But, speaking to reporters, Garcia revealed the contents of the conversation between him and the American striker.
‘He came to talk to me. I really liked that,’ Garcia said in French through an interpreter.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia shared his appreciation for a discussion with Folarin Balogun
Balogun’s inclusion in Monday’s match came after a controversial decision from FIFA
Garcia said, in French, ”It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame’
Meanwhile, Garcia and Belgium are off to Los Angeles to play Spain in the quarterfinals
‘It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame — and that’s what I told him. I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player.’
Balogun was initially suspended after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus consulted VAR on a challenge the American player planted on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
The use of slow-motion in VAR was deemed controversial and was suggested to be an improper use of the technology by pundits and former officials.
Nevertheless, Claus showed a red card to Balogun and sent him off.
Days later, President Donald Trump phoned FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the play. The sport’s governing body invoked Article 27 of their disciplinary code in order to allow Balogun to play.
Belgium was granted the right to appeal the decision, but FIFA determined their appeal to be ‘inadmissible’ and that the Belgians were ‘not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision.’
Nevertheless, the Belgians kept Balogun off the scoresheet and romped to a dominant victory – setting up a clash with Spain in the quarterfinals in Los Angeles.
