Belgium make complaint on ‘sub-standard’ problem as tensions with FIFA grow

Belgium are renewing hostilities with FIFA by demanding a change of training pitch ahead of their World Cup quarter-final.

The Red Devils have been at odds with football’s governing body following their decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-game red card ban, which allowed the USA striker to play against them in their last-16 clash.

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This sparked huge uproar, with the red card suspension pushed back by FIFA after an intervention from US president Donald Trump.

Balogun had been due to miss his side’s knockout clash after he was shown a straight red card in their last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

But he was given a reprieve after the US president called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino asking for the sending-off to be reviewed, resulting in his one-match ban suspended for 12 months.

Belgium were left incensed by the decision, but saw their appeal against it rejected by FIFA before kick-off against the USA.

The Red Devils managed to put the drama behind them on the pitch, thumping the co-hosts 4-1 to set up a quarter-final against Spain.

Hostilities renewed

After coming through unscathed against the USA, the Royal Belgian Football Association later confirmed it would continue to pursue an explanation from FIFA over Balogun’s suspended ban.

But ahead of Friday’s meeting with Spain, it has now taken aim at the governing body over their training facilities at Loyala Marymount University in Los Angeles.

A Belgian FA statement read: “Following our arrival in Los Angeles, an inspection of the training pitch at LMU showed that the quality of the playing surface did not meet the minimum standards required for our training session of today on Match Day – 2.

“The RBFA subsequently requested FIFA to relocate the team’s training facilities for today.

“We are in discussion with FIFA to use the LA Galaxy Training Facilities, where the Red Devils will also train tomorrow (MD-1).

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“We will communicate FIFA’s decision as soon as we receive confirmation as well the final timings of the media operations.”

Belgium had initially selected Loyola Marymount University’s campus in LA as their training base ahead of their clash with Spain.

But after voicing their disapproval of the facilities, the team will now use MLS side LA Galaxy’s training facilities in Carson.

The Red Devils will take on Spain at the SoFi Stadium in LA on Friday, live on talkSPORT.

Heavy backlash

Belgium are now once again experiencing disruption to their World Cup preparations, having had to deal with unprecedented circumstances in the build-up to their last match.

The Belgian FA were left outraged by the decision to grant Balogun a reprieve from his suspension.

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They formally objected to the move, with a statement declaring that the federation was ‘astonished’ by this, and was ‘investigating all potential options’.

While Belgium were granted the right to appeal, but FIFA later dismissed their efforts, with its appeal committee deeming the appeal ‘inadmissible’ as it was ‘not a party to the proceedings’.

The national team coach, Rudi Garcia, went as far as suggesting the decision felt like an ‘April Fools’ joke.

And the backlash extended well beyond just the Belgian camp, with UEFA among those to vocally criticise FIFA’s ‘unprecedented’ move to suspend Balogun’s ban.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT host Jeff Stelling urged Infantino to resign immediately, insisting the decision raises eyebrows over corruption, while EU lawmakers have called for an investigation the FIFA president regarding the principle of political neutrality.

Even after overcoming the USA, the Belgian federation’s complaints continued even, with the team’s official social media account posting ‘Overturn this’ following the win.