Aussie football great Craig Foster has launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the governing body overturned a suspension that would have ruled United States striker Folarin Balogun out of his country’s next World Cup match.
Foster labelled the decision an ’embarrassment’, accusing FIFA of compromising its independence after it reversed the ban following intervention from the White House.
The controversy erupted after Donald Trump’s administration wrote to FIFA urging the governing body to allow Balogun to play despite the striker receiving a red card in the United States’ previous World Cup match.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ previous World Cup clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina and had been expected to miss the hosts’ Round of 16 showdown with Belgium.
FIFA subsequently overturned the suspension, clearing Balogun to take the field in the Americans’ next knockout fixture.
‘What an embarrassment for football,’ Foster wrote on Instagram.
Socceroos legend Craig Foster (pictured) has slammed FIFA’s decision to be influenced by Donald Trump as an ’embarrassment to football’
Trump (pictured right of FIFA president Gianni Infantino) is understood to have enjoyed a direct conversation with the most powerful man in the football world
‘Following the ‘Peace Prize’ awarded by FIFA President, Infinatino to the ‘un-peaceful’ Trump, and the capitulation to sponsors with so-called hydration breaks, used needlessly to make more money.’
Foster has since slammed FIFA for changing the rules to benefit Trump.
‘As well as the mistreatment of countless fans, officials and players prior to, and throughout the World Cup by the US to deafening silence from FIFA and Infantino, now the rules have been changed for Trump,’ he said.
‘The US player red-carded and in line to miss the host’s Round of 16 match against Belgium, has for the first time in World Cup history, been suspended, allowing the US to be at full strength for the match.
‘While Trump proudly lets the world know he influenced the outcome.’
New reports suggest the US president reached out to FIFA president Gianni Infantino directly before the call was finalised.
‘Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!’ Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
The decision is unprecedented, as players sent off at a FIFA World Cup are ordinarily suspended for their team’s next match under the tournament’s disciplinary regulations.
President Trump (pictured) has claimed the decision has reversed a ‘great injustice’
Folarin Balogun (pictured) will now take to the field for the US in its match versus Belgium
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Belgium officials are especially furious with the announcement and are considering whether to challenge the decision.
They have since argued the decision is in ‘direct contradiction’ of the World Cup regulations.
‘In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,’ Belgium’s governing body said.
Fans have since taken to the comments section of Foster’s post to slam the decision, which would have major ramifications on the tournament.
‘FIFA does something dodgy and we’re surprised? Hardly,’ one person wrote.
‘FIFA integrity at it finest,’ another added.
‘Money talks. Shame on FIFA for allowing this,’ one more claimed.
‘I’ve really enjoyed watching this US team at this World Cup, but nonsense like this has no place in sport,’ another said.
The US plays Belgium for a spot in the quarter finals in Seattle tomorrow.
