It's safe to say that Alexi Lalas isn't feeling bad for Belgium ahead of Monday night's Round of 16 game against the U.S.
The U.S. sparked controversy on Sunday, when FIFA announced that striker Folarin Balogun would be eligible to play. Balogun's Round of 32 red card was being suspended, making him eligible to play. The decision, quite uncommon, received immediate blowback.
Belgium, in particular, is furious.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the Royal Belgian Football Association said.
U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, is fairly thrilled, after reportedly making a call to FIFA.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social following the big news.
© Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images.
Belgium is trying to make moves on Monday morning, reportedly filing an official appeal with FIFA.
UEFA, the European soccer federation that includes Belgium, is not happy, either.
"Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not," UEFA said in a statement.
"When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined."
Lalas is laughing at all the blowback
Lalas, who covers soccer for FOX, is taunting Belgium and everyone else who is upset, telling them to go to court if they want.
“Belgium wants to lawyer up against the United States? Go for it. Have at it. Knock your socks off," he joked.
Monday night's game should be an interesting one.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. E.T. on FOX.
