‘Turn this around’ – Belgium mocks US President Donald Trump and FIFA after USA’s World Cup exit | Football news

Belgian players were seen mocking US President Donald Trump and FIFA after they kicked out their USA teammates from the World Cup.

The PR circus surrounding FIFA’s decision to revoke Folarin Balogun’s red card and Donald Trump’s involvement in the supposedly independent process were headlines ahead of the last 16 match in Seattle. However, it seemed to revive Belgium’s excitement when they defeated the USA 4-1 to complete the quarter final with Spain.

And Belgium was happy with the victory, with several players imitating the Donald Trump sign dance after their fourth goal, while the official X team account also mocked the US President and FIFA by responding to Balogun’s ban with a post: “Remove this.”

The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said on Tuesday it remained committed to promoting a review of FIFA’s existing rules and its request.

“The RBFA strongly believes that international football is best served by a disciplinary and governance framework that fully complies with the principles of the rule of law, transparency, equal treatment and fair play,” reads a statement from the association which saw its appeal against Balogun’s decision dismissed on Monday.

“Clear procedures, respect for self-defense rights and consistent application of the rules are essential to maintain the confidence of member associations, coaches, players, fans and all other stakeholders in our sport.

“Irrespective of the sporting outcome, the RBFA will continue to promote the correct and consistent application of these principles by FIFA, ensuring that any form of discrimination is avoided.

“In doing this, we feel the support of millions of football fans around the world, as well as many other member organisations.”

Raskin: A sense of justice

Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said his side felt “injustice” after their big win.

“A lot has happened off the field in the last two days,” Raskin said.

“There was a sense of injustice in the team, and we were determined to respond on the field.”

The captain of Belgium, Youri Tielemans, also emphasized that building the game has increased his team.

“We told ourselves that we have to respond on the field. That’s what we did,” he said.

Trump has confirmed that he has personally asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to “review” United States striker Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup.

The world governing body announced on Sunday that Balogun’s automatic one-game ban against Bosnia and Herzegovina had been lifted, while the Americans’ opponents in the last 16, Belgium, appealed – but failed – against the decision.

On Monday, UEFA said FIFA had “crossed a red line” and put “the integrity of the game at risk” by allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.

But FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the independence of FIFA’s disciplinary committee.

Garcia: Balogun should not be blamed

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia revealed that Balogun “came to talk” after the match.

Garcia said: “I really liked that. It’s not his fault, he’s not to blame and that’s what I told him.”

Asked if the controversy has affected his team, Garcia added: “Regardless of which team the US will start with, the important thing for us is our game plan.

“The team is really mature. I told them what is most important for us.”

Pochettino is disappointed that politics overshadowed the USA World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted his disappointment at the “politics and manipulation” that overshadowed the United States’ World Cup exit.

Asked afterwards if the outcry over the decision had affected him and his players, USA coach Pochettino said BBC: “It didn’t affect our performance. It’s not an excuse. It wasn’t our day.

“But in a personal way, what’s the point of cursing or getting a lot of bad messages?

“It is a law that the coalition should work and try [to overturn the ban]. My position was to train the team. If Balogun is there because FIFA allows you to have a player, it is not a problem.

“I feel disappointed by many people. They put politics and deceit, they talk about morality and integrity [first]. If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in my way.”

Like his manager, USA defender Tim Ream refused to use Balogun’s condition as an excuse.

Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, he said: “No, there was no result. We did a good job with this team to allow outside noise to be outside. It has nothing to do with us as players and preparing for games.

“It’s one of those things. It’s the world we live in. We were totally focused on ourselves as a team and as a team and totally focused on the game and not really worrying about what was being said or the debates in other countries.”

Infantino is facing calls to resign – but he is going nowhere

Meanwhile, FIFA president Infantino he is facing calls for him to resign over the decision to accept The Balogun to play with Belgium.

“Infantino must go,” said Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. “No matter where the World Cup is held, it belongs to the fans.”

Resignation is not something that has crossed Infantino’s mind. He has been president for 10 years and will run for re-election next year.

He is almost certain to win a new four-year term because he still has the votes needed to win. Football confederations in Africa, Asia and South America all support him as well.

The president of FIFA is elected by the 211 member associations. Asia, Africa and South America have 111 votes.

Infantino is likely to be the only candidate which means he will be applauded for his position again.

Infantino has been flying to the US, Canada and Mexico to watch as many World Cup matches as possible on a plane provided by Qatar Airways.

FIFA says its disciplinary committee is independent and Infantino was not involved in the decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban.