JPL
Surprise FIFA ruling forces American striker into Belgium clash
On a Sunday afternoon in Seattle, a bombshell announcement stunned the Belgian camp when FIFA suddenly declared that suspended American striker Folarin Balogun would be allowed to face the Red Devils, a move that left Thibaut Courtois surprised and prompted Rudi Garcia’s bemused reaction.
FIFA announced that the suspended American striker Folarin Balogun would be permitted to play. The decision concerned the upcoming match against the Red Devils.
Thibaut Courtois said, "I was surprised, yes, and had not expected this anymore." His comment highlighted the unexpected nature of the ruling for the Belgian camp.
Rudi Garcia, Belgium's head coach, also addressed the development. He remarked that he briefly thought it might be an April‑Fool's prank.
The announcement was described as a "bombshell" by those present. It unfolded on a Sunday afternoon in Seattle.
Folarin Balogun is an American forward who had been serving a suspension. The reversal of his ban allowed him to line up against Belgium.