Folarin Balogun, 25, found himself in the eye of the storm.
After the USA’s exit from the World Cup, he speaks about the tours.
– I understand that it is controversial, says the star striker.
First, he was suspended after his red card in the round of 16.
Then the suspension was liftedso he could play in tonight’s round of 16 against Belgium.
In between, Donald Trump had called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask Fifa to “review the situation” – and Folarin Balogun suddenly became one of the most talked about players in the world of football.
After the 1–4 loss against Belgium, he speaks for the first time about all the fuss.
– When such a decision is torn up, I understand of course that it will be controversial. For my part, therefore, nothing surprised me very much. But as a player, my job is to go out on the field and focus on what I have to do, says Folarin Balogun.
“Haven’t been involved”
When asked if the decision may have been influenced by political factors, Balogun replied that the only thing he knew was that he was not allowed to play – until he was told he was fit to play again.
– I didn’t know very much about how it worked. I accepted the decision when I received the red card, and I also accepted the decision when I was told I was ready to play again. I have not been involved in the process, and it is not something to do with me personally, says Balogun.
Fines of SEK 400,000
In connection with the lifting of the suspension, Fifa announced that Balogun and the American Football Association were fined 40,000 dollars, approximately 400,000 kroner. This is because Balogun celebrated the victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina inside the pitch with his teammates after he was sent off.
“This is getting more and more bizarre by the hour. What is the fine for if it wasn’t a red card?”, writes former England international Jamie Carragher X.
