Donald Trump don confess say na im make Fifa reverse the red card wey dem give Folarin Balogun for USA match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trump yarn say, ‘I saw the play, that wasn’t a foul. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other.’ The US president talk say im ask Fifa to review the decision, but im no request say dem overturn am. Trump add say, ‘I spoke to a man who’s highly respected, and by the way, whose level of respect has gone up tenfold.’
Fifa later issue statement say the Appeal Committee suspend Balogun one-match ban, make am available for Monday last-16 match against Belgium. The decision cause plenty controversy. Belgian football federation and manager Rudi Garcia, plus Uefa, complain say Fifa cross line and give USA preferential treatment, wey dey question the integrity of the game and World Cup.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino explain say the judicial bodies independent, and the decision no get influence from any political call. But Trump earlier yarn say, ‘I’m the one who got them to do it.’ The matter still dey hot as Belgium try appeal but Fifa reject am on grounds say Belgian federation no be party to the proceedings.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin join the fight, accusing Fifa of making ‘incomprehensible and unjustifiable’ decision. Ceferin say European football now dey on war footing with world governing body. The drama continue as Brazil football federation defend referee Raphael Claus, wey Trump call ‘a little bit suspect’. Brazilian Confederation reject any insinuation casting doubt on Claus integrity.
Meanwhile, England win 3-2 against Mexico for last-16, set up quarter-final with Norway. But Jordan Henderson break wrist for post-match celebration and out of tournament. Thomas Tuchel say England fit play better, but dem dey committed. Norway beat Brazil 2-1 with Erling Haaland two goals, eliminate five-times champions. Brazil captain Cafu urge patience and trust for coach Carlo Ancelotti for proper four-year rebuild.
Senegal players and staff dey stranded for Seattle after knockout loss to Belgium. Dem no book return flights because dem no expect to lose. The team dey face controversies, including unpaid bonuses and allegations of sexual harassment. Senegal government later arrange chartered flight to bring dem back.
Fifa also issue statement on Balogun suspension, say dem suspend the ban for one year. Belgium request for appeal declared inadmissible. The chairperson of Fifa Appeal Committee, Neil Eggleston from United States, no involve for the decision. The matter still dey cause talk as Belgium and USA prepare to face off for Seattle.
