So to recap what happened with the USMNT:
β’ Balogun received a bogus red card
β’ VAR protocol isn't followed (no slow-mo)
β’ Trump calls Infantino to ask about the process
β’ US Soccer lawyers preapre & submit an appeal
FIFA's independent 18-person disciplinary committee then met, approved the appeal, and told Balogun he could play in Monday's match against Belgium.
That's what everyone is complaining about?
All rules were followed, and that same process is open to every other country. The only difference is everyone knows the red card was a mistake to begin with.
FIFA got it right by suspending Folarin Balogunβs Red Card under Article 27.
Belgiumβs protesting the decision isnβt about the integrity of the game. Itβs about getting an advantage over the USA.
If it was about the integrity of the game, they would be championing Balogun having his Red card suspended because it was improper use of the VAR system and not a Red card offense.
Where were the appeals when Cristiano Ronaldo got his 3 game red card ban suspended and reduced to a 1 game ban on a friendly so he could play this entire World Cup?
DR Congo and Uzbekistan didnβt protest Cristiano Ronaldo eligibility to play.
They played Portugal at full strength.
If Belgium doesnβt want to play now because FIFA made the right call and the USA has Folarin Balogun back in the lineup, then THATβS WEAK.
They donβt deserve to win.
Put the ball down and play.
Donβt pick up your ball and go home.