Mauricio Pochettino defends FIFA's Folarin Balogun decision, says USMNT was 'punished enough'

Saying his U.S. World Cup team was “punished enough” for Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card, coach Mauricio Pochettino on Sunday supported FIFA’s shock decision rescinding his star striker’s suspension for Monday’s Round of 16 against Belgium. “My reaction is like everyone that really loves the sport and trusts the ethic and integrity,” he said at a news conference at Lumen Field. “We [all] celebrate that decision.” Balogun was supposed to serve a one-game ban after being sent off in the 64th minute of the 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California. However, in a rare disciplinary reversal at a World Cup, FIFA announced Sunday that Balogun would be eligible to play and instead would be placed on one-year probation . The red card was issued following a video review of a challenge pitting Balogun and a Bosnian defender. The U.S. player’s right foot came down on the back of the opposition’s right ankle. “We were punished enough to play with 10 men [for] 30 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair,” Pochettino said. It's not only because I am the head coach of the U.S. men national team; I need to defend my side. It’s only because 99.9 percent [of the public agrees] there was an unfair red card.” Later, speaking in Spanish, he said his team did not benefit in any way because it had gone a long period with 10 men. “We’re not the bad guys,” he added. The episode made its way to the White House, where President Donald Trump heralded FIFA’s decision allowing Balogun to play.  “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said in a statement on social media. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said his team had been “punished enough” after FIFA rescinded Folarin Balogun’s suspension. Jared C. Tilton - FIFA via Getty Images The Associated Press reported Trump had intervened by contacting FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asking the organization to review the red card . Pochettino said he was unaware of Trump’s comments, saying “I was too busy” with training and other responsibilities to check social media. Asked about political influence in sports, he added, “We cannot mix that. That is a decision from FIFA with the evidence that happened before, and that's it.” The way the red card controversy transcended soccer showed “the power of this sport,” Pochettino said. “That is amazing. … It's not a surprise to me. I came from a culture in Argentina [and] Europe that football, soccer is more than a religion. … If we keep going [to the quarterfinals], pushing on, maybe one step more tomorrow, you will see that the sport is magic, the sport is amazing, is so powerful, unites people, unites the country.” Pochettino also said he was not involved in the efforts to reinstate Balogun, who leads the team with three goals. He said the U.S. Soccer Federation, namely chief executive J.T. Batson, handled the matter. Pochettino called it a “normal process, and of course the federation, for sure, was working really hard in trying to defend our situation.” FIFA does not have an appeals process for such situations, however, prompting Belgian coach Rudi Garcia to say, “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the 1st of April. It’s April Fools.” Responding to Garcia, Pochettino said, “I know Rudy. I love Rudy. He's a great coach, a great person. Of course, he needs to defend his side.” He added, “We need to celebrate … the decision not to punish us more, because I think it was enough, and now we focus on the game.” The Belgian federation said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and that it had contradicted its own disciplinary codes and regulations. The governing body said it would “investigate all potential options” to protect “the fundamental principles of fair play.” Pochettino expressed confidence that, had the suspension remained in place, his team would have persevered because “our power is in the 26 players. …  It's amazing the capacity of how we survive against Bosnia and Herzegovina with 10 men and score” while shorthanded. Balogun put the U.S. ahead late in the first half and Malik Tillman scored on a spectacular free kick late in the match at Levi’s Stadium. Had Balogun not been able to play Monday, Ricardo Pepi (four appearances, two starts) would’ve been the top candidate to enter the lineup. Pochettino defended the use of video replay in general but suggested those in charge need to improve its application. “The problem is not VAR; it’s how we are going to use it [and] who is going to drive the VAR,” he said. “That is the problem.” On Saturday, Balogun said he would have understood receiving a yellow card from referee Raphael Claus. He did not complain, however, saying he wanted to set an example for young players on how to behave in difficult moments. “You behave well, maybe you will be rewarded,” Pochettino said of Balogun’s mild reaction. “It's fantastic for him to have that mindset. I'm so happy that he acted in this way.” Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not seem fazed by the controversy. “We as a team always prepare for all the possible strikers,” he said. Balogun is “a very fast striker. We see a different profile than maybe Pepi, but they’re all good strikers. … They have a lot of quality up front.”