Controversial Fox Sports soccer pundit Alexi Lalas has publicly mocked Belgium's attempts to appeal the reinstatement of United States striker Folarin Balogun for the World Cup Round of 16 match. The decision to suspend Balogun's one-match ban has drawn international criticism, with Belgian officials expressing outrage.
Lalas, speaking on Fox News' 'Fox & Friends,' expressed amusement at Belgium's stance. "Belgium wants to lawyer up against the United States. Go for it, have at it, uh, knock your socks off," Lalas said, laughing. He described the news as "surprising but obviously a welcome bit of news to wake up to." He further stated that "America stood up for itself" and that the United States Soccer Federation acted within rules to give the team the "best possible chance of being successful."
"They stood up for Folarin Balogun. They stood up for this team. They stood up for this country," Lalas added. He encouraged those unhappy with the decision to "take it up with FIFA." He acknowledged that "lots of people this morning that are miffed about it" and that Belgium "certainly can do whatever they feel is appropriate in order to try to change this." Lalas concluded by noting that Balogun's availability is positive from a competitive standpoint for the match against Belgium.
The reinstatement of Balogun followed an intervention by former President Donald Trump, who confirmed he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card. Trump claimed the referee, Raphael Claus, had a "suspect past." Reports also indicated that Trump, along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House task force head Andrew Giuliani, assembled a legal team to challenge the dismissal. Trump stated on Truth Social, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
The Belgian team is reportedly considering legal action and may refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Belgium's head coach, Rudi Garcia, had previously likened the situation to "April Fools Day in July."
FIFA's decision to suspend the ban has been met with widespread condemnation, with critics suggesting it undermines the integrity of the competition. Claus had been accused of match-fixing in Brazil in 2023, but no charges were filed, and there are no allegations against him in the current World Cup.