‘I didn’t know that in FIFA, July 5th is April Fools’ Day’ – Belgium boss Rudi Garcia responds to Folarin Balogun’s red card being suspended

‘I didn’t know that in FIFA, July 5th is April Fools’ Day’ – Belgium boss Rudi Garcia responds to Folarin Balogun’s red card being suspended Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has reacted with disbelief after FIFA dramatically suspended the red card handed to Folarin Balogun in the round of 32. The United States striker is clear to face the Red Devils in Sunday’s World Cup last-16 clash in what is an extraordinarily bizarre decision. Balogun appeared certain to miss the knockout tie after receiving a straight red card during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. The 25-year-old was dismissed for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic, triggering an automatic one-match suspension under FIFA’s disciplinary rules. However, in a surprise decision announced on Saturday, FIFA confirmed that it had put the suspension on hold for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of the disciplinary code. The governing body offered no further explanation, other than citing the regulation that permits sanctions to be suspended. The ruling means Balogun is immediately eligible to feature against Belgium, with the suspension only set to be activated if he commits a similar offence during the probationary period. The decision has sparked outrage in Belgium, with the Royal Belgian Football Association describing the move as astonishing and confirming it is exploring every possible avenue in response. Garcia also made his feelings clear during his pre-match press conference, delivering a sarcastic response to the controversy. “I didn’t know that in FIFA, July 5th is April Fools’ Day,” the Belgium boss quipped when asked about the decision (via L’Equipe ). The controversy follows reports from AFP and Reuters claiming US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s red card. Shortly after FIFA’s announcement, Trump welcomed the outcome on his Truth Social application, thanking the governing body for “reversing a great injustice”. Trump’s relationship with Infantino has caused quite the stir. The decision to let Trump hand the Club World Cup to Chelsea last year was ponderous, and the same will repeat itself at the end of the World Cup. Fifty European Parliament members (MEPs) have called on FIFA to respond to an ethics complaint concerning Infantino’s decision to award Trump the FIFA Peace Prize . Balogun’s availability is a major boost for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, with the forward expected to lead the line as the United States chase a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. They are up against an angry Belgian team that bounced back from adversity to send West African superpowers Senegal packing in the round of 32.