US embraces Balogun World Cup reprieve as world seethes / Photo: David Ramos - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
US embraces Balogun World Cup reprieve as world seethes
American soccer fans have largely welcomed FIFA's move to lift striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban even as the rest of the world seethes over President Donald Trump's divisive intervention.
US top scorer Balogun earned a one-game ban for his red card in the last round against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but was cleared to face Belgium on Monday following a call to FIFA by the co-hosts' president.
World football figures from European governing body UEFA to pundits, players and managers have slammed the unprecedented decision.
But at a pre-game watch party in Seattle attended by AFP, US fans almost unanimously voiced support for suspending Balogun's ban -- however the decision came about.
"I'm super hyped. We got a real chance now," 20-year-old fan Remington Macklewoods said.
"It wasn't very fair that he got banned. But they made it right, and that's all that matters," he told AFP.
"I think it's definitely controversial. It should either be 'yes it's a red card' or 'no it's not a red card,'" said 19-year-old student Aidan Bauer.
"But I think it's the right call that he should play."
The involvement of Trump has drawn particular ire around the world.
A political leader lobbying for a rule change that favors his team is almost unprecedented, especially on a stage as grand as the World Cup.
But Sam, a 24-year-old soccer coach from Louisiana, who declined to give his last name, said Trump was within his rights.
"The President of the United States should advocate for the country in sport, or any other way," he said.
"So I think that the allegations about corruption, anything like that, I think that's a little bit blown out of the water."
He admitted: "If I was supporting Belgium, I probably wouldn't be happy about it."
Others preferred to brush over the political component and focus on the benefit to the team
"I got no comment on that, man. I don't make it political," said Macklewoods.
"I'm just happy Balogun can play," said 18-year-old student Viz Singh, who pointed to "inconsistency" in how video refereeing has been applied at this tournament.
- 'Moot point' -
The broad divide in reaction between the US and the rest of the world has been largely mirrored among pundits.
Fox Sports analyst and former US player Alexi Lalas said "America stood up for itself," while fellow ex-US star Clint Dempsey said it was "the right decision."
Former US goalkeeper Brad Friedel has been a rare voice of dissent, calling Balogun's reinstatement "terrible."
The controversy is likely to be heightened if Balogun scores and the US are victorious later on Monday.
Andy Young, a 54-year-old retired teamster and long-standing soccer fan who followed the US team to the 2002 World Cup in Japan, suggested that Pochettino should bench Balogun to calm the situation.
"Honestly, if we can sub Balogun in later, don't start him, I think we can win without his participation," he said.
"I think to maybe show the world, 'hey, look, we got next guys up that can pull their weight and really be part of that team, and win it without him'... so then it becomes a moot point."
Either way, he was happy that Balogun is eligible after receiving a "ball call" against Bosnia -- if not with Trump's involvement.
"He should be a spectator, just like us. And that goes for any country. Their leadership should not get involved" with FIFA decision, he said.
"It takes a corrupt person to talk with a corrupt organization," added his friend and fellow long-standing soccer fan Mike Johnson, 50.
J.Yaser--CdE
