JPL
FIFA's missing slide fuels tension ahead of Belgium‑US clash
FIFA removed the Powerpoint slide that outlines the automatic suspension rule for a red‑carded player, specifically Folarin Balogun, during the final preparations for the Belgium versus United States match at Lumen Stadium, scheduled for 02:00 on 07/07. The omission became the decisive moment that heightened the Belgian delegation’s nerves in the hours before kickoff.
Balogun had received a red card against Bosnia, prompting FIFA to dispatch an emissary to read a text on his reintegration from the round of 16 onward. The governing body had already clarified the suspension rule for Belgium’s first four matches in the competition.
During the traditional preparation meeting, team managers from both Belgium and the United States gathered inside Lumen Stadium and were shown a Powerpoint presentation. At that point, the slide concerning the automatic suspension of a player after a red card was no longer present.
The Belgian team manager immediately pointed out the missing slide to FIFA representatives, but his query was met with silence. No response was provided by the FIFA officials present at the meeting.
The absence of the slide raised concerns about the perceived privileged relationship between the United States and FIFA, especially after the rule had been explicitly stated in earlier matches. This discrepancy added an unexpected layer of tension to the pre‑match atmosphere.
FIFA stipulated that Balogun’s reintegration would be conditional: should he receive another red card within a year, an automatic one‑match suspension would be imposed. This clause was highlighted as a safeguard despite the slide’s removal.
Fans can follow the Belgium‑United States encounter live on Walfoot.be at 02:00 on 07 July, ensuring the match proceeds under close scrutiny despite the off‑field controversy.