Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterRudi Garcia has slammed FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension.Balogun will be free to face Belgium in the United States' World Cup round-of-16 showdown despite being initially ruled out of the game by his recent sending-off.The Monaco forward was set to serve a one-game ban for being dismissed in his country's last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kRudi Garcia blasts FIFA for Folarin Balogun decisionHowever FIFA has triggered Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code which allows Balogun's immediate suspension to be held back for a 12-month period.It means the 25-year-old will be free to play for Mauricio Pochettino's side in the Seattle showdown as well as for the remainder of their tournament involvement. You may like Why has Folarin Balogun World Cup ban been suspended after USA red card? FIFA at centre of new political storm ahead of USA Belgium as Donald Trump intervenes Belgium World Cup 2026 squad: Rudi Garcia's Red Devils selection for Group G tilt Only a similar infringement that led to Balogun's original suspension would see it reinstated before his probationary period is set to expire in 12 months' time.The decision, reportedly taken after lobbying from US President Donald Trump. was met with condemnation by the Royal Belgian Football Association on Sunday.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Red Devils' head coach Garcia has now added his voice to the complaint ahead of the last-16 tie which will set up a quarter-final clash with either Portugal or Spain."I thought the World Cup was in July, not April. Its now April Fools," said Garcia."Were not defending the national team or the federation. Were defending football." What to read next Meet the USA goalkeeper who is a Harvard genius and penalty shootout cheat code The most controversial quotes of the World Cup so far Who is the referee for Belgium vs Iran? FIFA's ruling was condemned across football with former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville lamenting the world governing body's U-turn."It absolutely stinks, let's be really clear," he told ITV."But what I would say is the thing that stinks the most is there should be a review process in place because I actually didn't think it was a red card and I think there should be a process which allows it to be overturned."But if there's no process for it to be overturned and then somehow FIFA, from nowhere, have just decided to basically let a player play and the rules are the same for everybody [else]."I would be absolutely raging if I was Belgium and every other team in the tournament that's had a player sent off that might think it's a little bit hard done to. Are we surprised? No, no with this lot."TOPICSFolarin BalogunUSAUnited StatesBelgiumWorld CupRichard Buxton
