Belgium's Rudi Garcia Blasts FIFA Over Balogun Suspension Reversal

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said he initially believed reports were false when FIFA cleared suspended United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in Monday's round of 16 match, according to ESPN. The Belgian federation said it is "investigating all potential options" in response to the ruling. "I didn't know that at the World Cup, the 5th of July is actually the first of April, it's April Fools' [Day]," said Garcia. Garcia said the federation's statement, which criticized FIFA's decision as unprecedented and contrary to pre-tournament guidelines, was not solely intended to protect Belgium's interests. "We're not defending the national team or federation," said Garcia. "We are defending football." Balogun was sent off during the United States' 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 for a tackle that went unpunished on the field but drew a red card following video review. FIFA announced Sunday morning that his suspension had been reduced, clearing him to face Belgium. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said earlier notice of the reversal would have helped his team prepare mentally, though he expressed confidence in his squad regardless of Balogun's availability. "He is a very fast striker," said Courtois. "Maybe a different profile than [Ricardo] Pepi. They have a lot of quality up front." Norway coach Stale Solbakken also condemned FIFA's ruling after his team defeated Brazil in the round of 16. "I think that's a big mistake by FIFA, it's not a great conclusion," said Solbakken. "He has got a red card, VAR concluded it was a red card, and he was sent off, so that means he is suspended for one game. "The Belgians will be furious, and what happens if he scores a goal that wins the game? It's a bad, bad, bad, bad decision for the World Cup."