Mauricio Pochettino regrets not being ‘more involved’ with Balogun decision
Summary
Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the US men’s national soccer team, said he regrets not being more involved in the decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup. The card suspension was lifted after lobbying by the US Soccer Federation and President Donald Trump. Pochettino believes the controversy affected the team’s performance in the next game against Belgium.Key Facts
- Folarin Balogun received a red card in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which normally causes a one-game suspension.
- The US Soccer Federation and President Donald Trump requested FIFA to review and overturn Balogun’s suspension.
- FIFA’s disciplinary committee made the final decision to reinstate Balogun independently.
- The controversy caused extra attention and motivation for Belgium before their match versus the US.
- Pochettino said he was not part of the decision to overturn the card but wishes he had been more involved.
- He thinks the negative energy from the controversy affected the US team’s play in their 4-1 loss to Belgium.
- Pochettino also commented that too many people were involved in the decision-making process, and such matters should be handled by fewer people focused solely on sports.
- The US team will next play Peru, then Chile, Mexico, and Canada in upcoming matches.
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