Rudy Garcia on Balogun's Participation: Thought It Was April Fool's, Not July

Belgium's national team coach, Rudy Garcia, expressed his deep anger over FIFA's decision to allow American striker Folarin Balogun to participate against Belgium, despite being sent off in the previous match.

Garcia stated: "I thought the match was in April, not July, given what happened. I believe it's essential to revisit the statement issued by the Belgian federation, as it reflects much of what I personally feel."

The French coach added that their objection is not solely about the interests of the Belgian team, explaining: "We are not defending the national team or the Belgian federation; we are defending football and its integrity."

Garcia concluded his remarks by emphasizing the oddity of the decision, saying: "This is the first time in World Cup history that such a decision has been made, which is difficult to understand and accept."