Jesse Marsch criticises Folarin Balogun World Cup reprieve as ‘only possible in US’

Canada manager Jesse Marsch has criticised the controversial decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspension, saying the United States striker could not have been cleared to play at the World Cup in any other country.

Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina but was allowed to feature against Belgium after his suspension was changed to a suspended ban. The decision followed a phone call from United States president Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, during which Trump asked for the case to be reviewed.

Speaking to The Athletic, Marsch said the ruling reflected a belief among some Americans that their country should receive preferential treatment.

“As Americans, we are fed propaganda from a very young age,” Marsch said. “We are told that we are the greatest country in the world, that we deserve everything and that we are the best at everything.

“So when things happen that are outside our control, we feel we should be treated differently simply because we are American.”

Marsch, who is American, said the incident had changed the way the United States team was viewed during the tournament.

“This is one of the things that frustrates the rest of the world about Americans,” he added. “That is why the whole world hates America.”

He said the controversy had swiftly altered the atmosphere surrounding the team.

“The United States had had a good World Cup and had played well,” Marsch said. “Everything changed in an instant.”

The United States subsequently lost 4-1 to Belgium and were eliminated from the competition.

Mauricio Pochettino, who had worked to ensure Balogun was available at the time, has since admitted that mistakes were made.

“You have to be humble enough to admit that you can be wrong,” Pochettino said. “And I think my mistake was not being present at that moment.”