Belgium's World Cup team has lodged a new complaint with FIFA regarding the quality of training facilities in Los Angeles, a week after a dispute over a player's suspension that involved former President Donald Trump. Officials from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where the team was scheduled to prepare for its quarter-final match against Spain.
An inspection revealed that the playing surface did not meet the required standards for their training sessions. Consequently, FIFA granted the team's request to relocate to a different facility. Belgium's squad will now train at the LA Galaxy's training ground in Carson.
LMU, however, disputed the RBFA's assessment, issuing a statement that "Sullivan Field is regularly tested to ensure the highest quality" and has been used by "several professional sports teams." The university maintained that its field is in top condition.
The facility dispute follows closely on the heels of a controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension. The ban was controversially overturned, allowing Balogun to play in Belgium's recent match against the United States. Reports indicated that Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for the reversal of the suspension. Trump later confirmed his involvement, stating on social media that FIFA had "done what was right, and reversing a great injustice."
Belgium's head coach, Rudi Garcia, had initially likened the situation to an "April Fools' prank." The RBFA officially complained to FIFA about the intervention, but their appeal was deemed "inadmissible" by the governing body, which stated it was "not a party to the proceedings."
Despite the off-field drama, Belgium defeated the United States on Monday. Balogun approached Garcia after the match to discuss the controversy, an gesture the Belgian coach appreciated, stating, "It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame."
This incident marks the second significant controversy for the Belgian team during their time in LA, highlighting a turbulent week for the squad as they prepare for their quarter-final clash with European champions Spain at SoFi Stadium on Friday.