August 13 – Belgian international midfielder Youri Tielemans has described his nation’s surprise at FIFA’s decision to suspend U.S. Men’s National Team forward Folarin Balogun’s ban during this summer’s World Cup. 

The astonishing move by the world’s governing body, after interference by U.S. President Donald Trump, saw Balogun, who had been sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, avoid an immediate suspension following a decision by FIFA’s disciplinary committee. 

The decision allowed the U.S. player to lineup against Belgium in the last 16, an episode that overshadowed Belgium’s comfortable 4-1 win over the United States. 

Tielemans, who has joined Manchester United from Aston Villa this summer, was part of the Belgium team in Seattle for that fixture. 

“Originally we were surprised by the decision to revert the red card and his suspension,” Tielemans said. “For us, it did not really change anything other than the preparation leading up to the game. But other than that, we were very calm and we just accepted our fate and tried to have a good game.” 

Belgium’s feelings became clear on the pitch. When Romelu Lukaku scored their fourth, he performed a cupped ear celebration, followed by the team mimicking a Trump dance, on the field and again in the dressing room. The national team then posted on social media poking fun at the situation. 

In the mixed zone, others were blunter. Nicolas Raskin called the decision an injustice, Dodi Lukebakio said he didn’t understand it, and Thibaut Courtois said Belgium had been disrespected. 

Asked if the affair had fired his side up, Tielemans kept it light. “The celebrations afterwards were nice and funny, and it was all good.” 

Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at [email protected]