CORNERFLICK
Mauricio Pochettino has backed FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play in the United States' World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium.
Pochettino said the ruling corrected an injustice after Balogun's red card, and insisted he had no role in any political talks that led to the suspension being reduced. He said he only learned of the decision shortly before Sunday evening training.
Speaking at a press conference, the US coach said the team had already paid a price in their match against Bosnia, when they played with 10 men for 30 minutes after what he described as an unfair call.
US media reported that Donald Trump contacted FIFA officials personally to push for the ban to be lifted. After the decision was announced, Trump posted on social media thanking FIFA for "doing the right thing" and correcting a major injustice.
Pochettino said politics and football should not be mixed, but argued that the red card was a mistake and should be overturned. He added that almost everyone would agree the dismissal was unfair.