On Wednesday, US striker Folarin Balogun was given a red card during a win over Bosnia, meaning he would not play tonight vs. Belgium.
However, FIFA reversed field four days later, and suspended the red card for a year for Balogun, clearing him to play tonight (8 pm, Fox). Immediately, the suspicions were raised, especially after it'd gotten out that the White House, or, more specifically, president Donald Trump, contacted FIFA honcho Gianni Infantino or one of his aides, asking for Balogun's reinstatement.
Fans outside the US now don't want the US to host another World Cup, feeling as though Infantino is again currying favor with Trump, in turn making the country as a whole look bad, as if Trump doesn't do that himself on a daily basis.
Even though Trump, as a representing statesman, will present the championship trophy following the finals on July 19, he'd be better off sending VP JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his place, for obvious reasons. He's already stained this year's tournament enough.
As for the question of the tournament being rigged, the answer is no, as of right now. No one expects the US to reach the finals, but one major obstacle was removed Sunday night when Brazil was eliminated by Norway at Met Life Stadium, 2-1. Given that the Belgians are upset over Infantino's latest ruling, there's every reason to believe the US won't move to the quarterfinals.
And, in all fairness, maybe it's better that way.
No comments:
Post a Comment