In the last few hours, something unthinkable for football fans happened: the overturning of a red card for a player who was rightfully sent off. Yes, you read that correctly.
Folarin Balogun will be available to play against Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16.
The good news is that Mauricio Pochettino gets his best striker back for the crucial clash against the Belgians.
The bad news is that FIFA's decision sparked a wave of controversy throughout the football world. Let’s discuss why this created a bad image for the USMNT ahead of their encounter.
With this ruling, it looks like FIFA wants the USMNT to win
I’m sorry to be that guy, but what FIFA did is not common. Never, in the history of this sport, has it happened, and less in a tournament of this nature.
The reason why I say this suggests FIFA wants to benefit the USMNT is that this was the original situation: Balogun received a red card, Pochettino was set to face a weakened Belgium side without his star striker, and with backups who are not at the same level as the AS Monaco forward, the USMNT was expected to struggle in attack.
Then, less than 24 hours before the most important match for the U.S. national team on the international stage, the governing body of the tournament magically decides to postpone the red card to allow the striker to play.
These were the exact words of the official and released statement by FIFA:
"Pursuant to Article 27 of the Football Federation Regulations, the enforcement of the automatic match suspension imposed on United States player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year."
In the eyes of a normal person, this would look like help. That was the idea 90% of people had, including some American colleagues.
Just remember this, to all readers who are following every word of this article: if the USMNT advances, which is the most likely outcome, the entire internet, analysts, former players, and football confederations will say they needed FIFA’s help to beat Belgium.
Then, they will go on to say that if Belgium is in such poor form, the USMNT is in an even worse position because they needed help to defeat them.
Just be prepared, because thanks to FIFA's latest statement, everyone will come out with a knife between their teeth, ready to go for the jugular.
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