Jesse Marsch, the coach of the Canadian national team, stated that FIFA's decision to suspend the ban on US striker Folarin Balogun is something "that would not happen in any other country" in the world, and is an example of Americans believing their country deserves special treatment.
Marsch, a former US international and assistant coach for the Socceroos at the 2010 World Cup, added that global public opinion towards the US team changed when Balogun's red card dismissal in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina did not prevent him from playing in the Round of 16 against Belgium.
Behind the scenes of Balogun's suspended sanction at the World Cup
The suspension of the striker had previously been put on hold after US President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision, with FIFA later confirming that the ruling came from an independent disciplinary committee.
According to The Athletic, FIFA does not usually allow appeals during the World Cup, but the US Soccer Federation filed an appeal arguing that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology relied excessively on still and slow-motion footage.
For its part, UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, which has long been at odds with FIFA, described the decision as incomprehensible and crossing red lines.
Fiery comment by Jesse Marsch ahead of Canada-US friendly
Speaking before Canada's friendly match against the United States on Tuesday evening, Marsch said: "As Americans, we have been immersed in propaganda since childhood; we are the number one country in the world, we deserve everything, we are at the forefront in every aspect of life – that is what we were told."
The Canada coach added: "Therefore, when things happen and we do not feel in control, we feel we deserve different treatment because we are American. This is one of the things that angers the rest of the world towards Americans."
Jesse Marsch indicated his feeling that this would not have happened in any other country, claiming, "This is why the whole world hates America. The United States performed well at the World Cup and was achieving excellent results, then everything turned upside down in an instant."
The US team lost the Round of 16 match 4-1 against Belgium in Seattle, leading Mauricio Pochettino's men to exit the World Cup under mysterious circumstances, as the Balogun case continues to spark controversy.
