Pochettino regrets limited role in Balogun red card decision at World Cup
Summary
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino wished he had been more involved in the decision to appeal Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup, saying the controversy changed the team's energy before their loss to Belgium. Balogun’s one-match suspension was suspended by FIFA, allowing him to play against Belgium, but the US lost 4-1 in the last-16 round.Key Facts
- Folarin Balogun received a red card in the US’s round-of-32 match against Bosnia.
- FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended Balogun’s one-match ban for one year, letting him play against Belgium.
- US coach Mauricio Pochettino said he regretted not being more involved in the appeal decision.
- President Donald Trump said he intervened by urging FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s case.
- The US lost 4-1 to Belgium in the last 16 of the World Cup.
- Pochettino said the team’s energy changed after the appeal decision, affecting the match conditions.
- Belgium’s football federation criticized FIFA for not explaining why Balogun’s ban was suspended.
- Pochettino suggested US Soccer should have a smaller, more focused group making appeal decisions.
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