Politics
“Shame on you”: Belgium accuses FIFA of caving to Trump ahead of World Cup clash
BRUSSELS — Belgian politicians and soccer officials were outraged Sunday after FIFA ditched a one-match ban for American star Folarin Balogun that would have ruled him out of the U.S.-Belgium World Cup round-of-16 matchup on Monday.
President Donald Trump immediately thanked FIFA on his Truth Social platform after the controversial decision was announced, for “for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Shortly after FIFA’s bombshell, the New York Times reported that Trump has called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked him to review Balogun’s suspension.
Balogun was originally suspended for one match after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina during the first knockout round. While many soccer pundits thought the red card was harsh, there is little precedent for a player not serving a further suspension after being ordered off during a tournament.
In a statement Sunday, the world soccer governing body said: “In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.”
The Belgian football association said it was “astonished” by the decision to overturn the suspension. “In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the association noted.
Senior politicians from across Belgium reacted with bafflement.
“True strength lies in winning with fair play (and by following all the rules). That’s what Belgium will do tomorrow. Full support for the Royal Belgian FA, which announced tonight that it is exploring all possibilities to protect the legitimate rights of all participants as well as the fundamental principles of fair play that govern soccer during this World Cup,” said Jacqueline Galant, Walloon sports minister from the French-speaking liberal Reformist Movement.
“Shame on you! When money calls the shots, the World Cup loses all credibility. Adapting the rules to please Trump, trying to cheat to win—what a deplorable image for FIFA, for the soccer World Cup, and for the United States. Rules must be respected by everyone, in sports as in life,” the opposition Socialist party said in a statement.
“Amazing how a red card suddenly becomes ‘unjust’ when Trump gets involved … FIFA must defend fairness, not give the impression of yielding to political pressures. See you on the pitch: the Devils’ victory will be all the more valuable,” added Yvan Verougstraete, a member of the European Parliament and president of the Francophone centrist Les Engagés party.
Camille Gijs contributed to this report.
LONDON — The U.K.’s current and next prime minister will both skip the pub to watch England’s match against Mexico at their homes, advisers confirmed.
Keir Starmer — the outgoing PM who promoted his move to let English pubs stay open till 5 a.m. for the late-night kickoff — will watch with his family in London. Andy Burnham, who is set to succeed Starmer in two weeks, will watch with his family in Greater Manchester.
But the question is whether both make it to the bitter end — particularly after the game was delayed an hour due to adverse weather, moving kickoff to 2 a.m. local time. That would appear to pose a particular sleep-related challenge for Burnham, who is due in Westminster on Monday for access talks with senior officials as he prepares to take charge of the government.
FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban has sparked anger inside European soccer, with both continental confederation UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association discussing possible next steps, according to a high-ranking UEFA official. The official, who was granted anonymity to discuss ongoing deliberations, said no final decision had been taken.
As of Sunday evening, UEFA’s plan was to release a statement on Monday in response to FIFA’s ruling, according to a person familiar with the matter. The statement is expected to support the Belgian association, which was directly affected after Balogun was permitted to play against Belgium despite having been sent off in the previous match. Belgium is a member of UEFA.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the Belgian association said in a statement released after FIFA’s ruling.
FIFA’s ruling has also prompted criticism from inside soccer’s global governing body. One of the organization’s vice presidents, asked by Blue Light News for his view of the Balogun case, described it in a WhatsApp message as an “utter disgrace.” The vice president was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the matter.
Watching the World Cup or scrolling on social media, you may have noticed England fans serenading the players with renditions of “Wonderwall” at the end of their matches.
Fans of “Sweet Caroline” may feel aggrieved that the Oasis classic has taken top spot for England sing-alongs at this World Cup. But it is hard to imagine lyrics more apt for the ears of star striker Harry Kane than: “You’re going to be the one that saves me” … given England’s captain has, at times, appeared to drag his team through this tournament almost single-handed.
“Wonderwall” remains Oasis’ best-known anthem — arguably transcending the band itself, much to singer Liam Gallagher’s occasional irritation.
But it is not the first time the now-reunited Gallagher brothers have featured in an unexpected setting this summer.
Andy Burnham, Britain’s prime minister-in-waiting, is always keen to lean heavily into his Manchester roots. Earlier this year, he secured permission from the Gallagher brothers to use Oasis’ “Some Might Say” in his online campaigning for the Makerfield by-election.
Burnham is due to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister on July 20 — one day after the World Cup final.
He will be hoping to arrive in Number 10 riding a wave of national euphoria, with England world champions and the words of his fellow Mancunians ringing in his ears.
Including one lyric that might feel less like inspiration and more like a warning. “By now, you should’ve somehow realized what you’ve got to do.”
- Starmer, Burnham to skip pubs
- Belgians weigh Folarin Balogun as “darling of the match” in which he didn’t play
- The connection between Oasis, England and Andy Burnham
- European soccer leaders make plans to take Belgium’s side against FIFA
- Rick Scott says he’s just trying to help
- Inside Lutnick’s back channel with FIFA brass
- Rick Scott says he’s just trying to help
- “Shame on you”: Belgium accuses FIFA of caving to Trump ahead of World Cup clash
- Rick Scott says he’s just trying to help
- UK’s Lib Dems say they scored on pubs’ added time
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