Trump Gets Soccer Star's Red Card Reversed

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3. ESPN: 'Belgium furious at Balogun ban being suspended: It's April Fools'

SEATTLE -- Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said he thought it was a joke when he first heard news that suspended United States striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play in the round of 16 match here Monday, while the Belgian federation announced it was "investigating all potential options" in opposition of FIFA's stunning decision.

"I didn't know that at the World Cup, the 5th of July is actually the first of April -- it's April Fools," Garcia said at a press conference Sunday afternoon.

He added that the federation's lengthy statement, which highlighted the unprecedented nature of FIFA's decision as well as how it runs counter to the guidelines FIFA had put out before the tournament regarding automatic suspensions for any player receiving a red card, was not only about protecting the Belgian team.

"We're not defending the national team or federation," Garcia said. "We are defending football."

More at link:

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49279471/belgium-usa-folarin-balogun-ban-suspended-fifa-world-cup-2026