Politics is meant to have no place in a World Cup tournament, but it’s difficult to ignore the backdrop of immigration issues, exorbitant ticket pricing and most recently, a push from the White House to reverse an officiating decision that went against the USMNT.
Folarin Balogun will play against Belgium, after FIFA decided to suspend his one-game ban after a review.
That decision has not sat well with most people, especially with all the reports of Donald Trump’s administration putting pressure on the supposedly independent governing body to reverse the decision.
Roy Keane and Gary Neville reacted to the news before England’s clash with Mexico, both agreeing that this is a violation of the rules and spirit of the World Cup.
Roy Keane and Gary Neville agree FIFA’s Balogun decision is ‘unfair’
Keane and Neville often find themselves on opposite sides of a given debate, but they are on the same page when it comes to Balogun’s red card.
During ITV’s World Cup coverage on Sunday night, they reacted to the then-breaking news.
Keane said: “It seems unfair because it is unfair. Of course. You’ve got to look at the opposition team in terms of their preparation.
“It seems like a bit of a ‘pal’s act’ shall we say going on.”
The pals he is referring to are FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump. The two have been thick as thieves during Trump’s second term and it makes this apparent backroom dealing look all the more suspect.
As for Neville, he could have seen this coming a mile off
He said: “if there’s no process that allows it to be overturned, and then somehow FIFA from nowhere have decided basically to let a player play… the rules are the same for everybody.
“I would be absolutely raging if I was Belgium or any other team in the tournament that had a player sent off who thinks they were a bit hard done by.
“Are we surprised? Not with this lot.”
Brutally honest from the two former Manchester United players, who see this inexplicable verdict as another instance of FIFA being entangled in corruption.
The Belgian FA are appealing the decision, but with the game kicking off late on Monday, time is running out for the decision to change.
It would be huge for the US if their top scorer can make it onto the pitch, but there’s no denying it will take away from the occasion — win or lose.
READ MORE:
Why Folarin Balogun may now miss USA vs Belgium after latest World Cup twist
What Matthew McConaughey ‘doesn’t like’ about Folarin Balogun news ahead of USMNT vs Belgium
White House official spotted with Gianni Infantino in days leading up to Folarin Balogun U-turn
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