US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has endorsed FIFA's decision to suspend the red card issued to United States striker Flo Balogun, calling it a "right decision" and adding that a victory against a full-strength opponent is more meaningful. Speaking alongside Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Mackenna, Rubio also joked that the matter might be raised at NATO.
Rubio's Remarks on Balogun's Suspension
Rubio stated that the initial red card was a poor call, especially when reviewed in slow motion. He argued that if Belgium wants to win, they should face the US at full strength to avoid a tainted victory. "It was a bad decision to give Flo a red card. They shouldn't even be reviewing these things in slow motion; it should be reviewed in live action," Rubio said. He added that reversing the suspension was correct, as a win against a team missing its best player would be less credible.
Rubio also noted that Balogun's head was not looking down, suggesting he did not intentionally step on the opponent's leg. He expressed hope that both teams would play at full strength in the Round of 16 match on Monday.
FIFA's Decision and Trump's Intervention
FIFA suspended Balogun's automatic one-match ban under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code after an intervention by US President Donald Trump, who urged a review. The decision came ahead of the US-Belgium clash, with Balogun having received a red card in the 64th minute of the US's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Rubio acknowledged the drama surrounding the case but reiterated that the reversal was correct. He quipped, "Maybe we will bring it up at NATO tomorrow or whatever with the Belgians."
Belgium's Reaction and Allegations
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed "astonishment" at FIFA's decision, stating that the FIFA Appeal Committee declared their case inadmissible without providing grounds. In a statement, the RBFA alleged a breach of FIFA regulations, noting they had not received the referee's report or the reasoning behind the eligibility decision. They have informed the US Soccer Federation that they contest Balogun's eligibility if he appears on the team sheet.
The RBFA statement read: "The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet. This leaves all further actions open."
Impact on the Match
The controversy has added tension to the US-Belgium Round of 16 match, scheduled for Monday at Seattle Stadium. Balogun, the US's leading scorer, is now eligible to play, which could significantly impact the outcome. Rubio expressed hope for a fair contest, saying, "I just hope the match will go on, everyone will be at full strength, and the winner will be the winner."
