UEFA has criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend the one match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun, saying the move undermines the integrity of football.
The decision makes Balogun eligible to play in the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium despite receiving a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun was initially suspended after a video assistant referee review found that he stepped on an opponent’s foot, an offence that normally carries an automatic one match ban under FIFA rules.
In a statement, UEFA said the decision crossed “a red line” and warned that football depends on the consistent application of its laws to preserve fairness, transparency and public confidence.
The controversy follows reports that U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the suspension, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly called for the red card to be overturned.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee later suspended the implementation of the ban but did not give a detailed explanation for its decision.
Reacting to the ruling, Trump described it as the reversal of “a great injustice,” while Belgium coach Rudi Garcia questioned the move, saying he initially thought it was an April Fool’s joke.
The decision has sparked debate over FIFA’s disciplinary process and concerns about possible political influence in football governance.
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