United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly criticised the decision to send off American striker Folarin Balogun, saying the co-host nation’s football team had been unfairly treated during its World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun’s dismissal means the forward will miss the United States’ upcoming Round of 16 clash against Belgium after receiving an automatic one-match suspension.
Rubio Calls for Opportunity to Appeal Referee’s Decision
Speaking briefly to reporters during a visit to the White House briefing room on Thursday, Rubio praised the US team’s performance but argued that the controversial red card deserved further review.
He said the team had been “screwed” by the decision and suggested football should have an appeal mechanism for such incidents. Rubio acknowledged, however, that any review would likely come too late to affect Balogun’s suspension.
The secretary of state was leading a tour group through the White House and declined to answer questions on foreign policy matters involving Lebanon and Iran, telling reporters he was not there to discuss current diplomatic issues.
FIFA Rules Leave No Room for Appeal
Despite calls from senior US officials and members of the coaching staff, FIFA regulations provide no avenue for challenging the suspension.
A spokesperson for world football’s governing body confirmed on Wednesday that players sent off during the tournament automatically miss their team’s next match and that the sanction cannot be appealed.
VAR Review Led to Controversial Sending Off
The incident occurred in the 64th minute of Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, officials ruled that Balogun had stamped on the back of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot. The decision resulted in a straight red card, despite widespread debate over whether the contact warranted such severe punishment.
Pochettino Insists Balogun Should Have Stayed on the Pitch
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly disagreed with the referee’s decision after the match.
The Argentine manager argued that Balogun should never have been dismissed and maintained that fairness would dictate allowing an appeal. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that if FIFA’s regulations remain unchanged, he will have to consider alternative tactical plans for the Belgium encounter.
Suspension Deals Blow to US World Cup Ambitions
Balogun has emerged as one of the United States’ standout performers during the tournament, scoring three goals, including the opening strike against Bosnia.
The 24-year-old forward, who was born in New York, raised in England and currently plays for French club Monaco, has played a key role in the Americans’ World Cup campaign.
His enforced absence against Belgium is expected to be a significant setback as the United States looks to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
