van der Vaart accuses FIFA of favouritism after Balogun controversy

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has hit out at Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the Folarin Balogun red card controversy, calling the intervention the "biggest joke in football history" and questioning whether the tournament is being manipulated in favour of certain teams.

The Dutch legend, who earned 109 caps for his country, also gave his verdict on Kylian Mbappé's extraordinary World Cup campaign, backing the France captain to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé.

Balogun decision was the biggest joke in football history

The decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card, following a phone call from US president Donald Trump to FIFA, sent shockwaves through the football world. van der Vaart was left stunned from the moment that the news broke that Balogun would be allowed to compete against Belgium.

"In the beginning I couldn't believe what I saw with Donald Trump and the red card situation. You know, also the goal that was disallowed against Argentina when Egypt scored… then I think, in a way, it looks like they (FIFA) have their preferences and I don't like that at all."

"You can always discuss if a foul is a red card or not, but that's not important here. When you have a red card, it is normal that you get a suspension, but all of a sudden Trump called FIFA, which is for me a big no-go. Donald Trump calling him is one thing, but that Infantino allowed that is the biggest joke in football history."

Messi not being suspended is a disgrace

However, the Balogun situation does not exist in isolation. The former Real Madrid star pointed to another moment earlier in the tournament that he felt had gone without proper scrutiny.

"It is not only about this decision. VAR didn’t intervene when Messi should have had a red card in the first match. Why? Please, explain to me why this is happening. He almost broke his leg and didn't even get a yellow card."

"Imagine that someone gets a red card for less now and misses a final. It is a totally different sport and tournament now. It is a big disgrace."

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Pochettino should have benched Balogun

Away from the officials and the politics, the Dutchman had sympathy for Balogun himself, a player who has found himself at the centre of a controversy not of his making. He also had a pointed observation about how Mauricio Pochettino handled the situation.

"Trump made it way worse for Balogun and for the team. As a coach, obviously you want to play with Balogun, but it would have been amazing if Mauricio Pochettino had decided to put him on the bench. I think he would have won a lot of respect by publicly saying that he wouldn't play Balogun because he got a red card."

"But I mean, probably he would have been sacked before or even during the game if that were to happen."

Mbappé is proving everyone wrong

With the controversy addressed, van der Vaart turned his attention to the player who has dominated the tournament for all the right reasons. Kylian Mbappé's performances have prompted comparisons with the all-time greats, and while van der Vaart stopped short of placing him above Pelé and Diego Maradona, his admiration was clear.

"It's so difficult to compare him to the likes of Pele and Maradona. Before the World Cup started, I said that I hope he does well because there was chatter about Real Madrid wanting to get rid of him. Not anymore I think.”

“In France they were saying that they maybe had better players than him. Come on, this guy, last season he was amazing but because he didn't win anything, people started complaining and blaming him. I really didn't understand that."

"He's proved everyone wrong and I'm really happy. I also like his positive energy and don't see him shouting at his teammates."

"This is a complete top striker."

Mbappé leads the Ballon d'Or race

With Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé all shining for France at the tournament, van der Vaart was asked to choose between the three for the Ballon d'Or. His answer was straightforward.

"Among those three, for me it's Mbappé. Olise is doing very well but for me, Mbappé is the main man."

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