ZURICH: UEFA has sharply criticized FIFA over its reported decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA to review the case.
UEFA said the automatic one-match suspension following a red card is a fundamental provision of the Laws of the Game and is not subject to discretionary approval.
The organization described the reported decision as “extraordinary,” “incomprehensible” and “unjustified,” warning that such an action could undermine confidence in the integrity of football’s disciplinary system.
The European governing body said altering an automatic suspension during a tournament would cross “a red line” and could create a precedent for future disciplinary cases.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also criticized the reported move in a post on X, saying football should never become a tool of political influence.
“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote, adding that disciplinary decisions should be based on rules, evidence and independent judicial bodies.
According to media reports, Balogun received a red card during the United States’ Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-match suspension that would have ruled him out of the Americans’ Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Reports said FIFA later suspended enforcement of the ban for one year, making Balogun eligible for the knockout match.
Trump confirmed at the White House that he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and requested a review of the disciplinary decision because he believed the incident did not warrant a red card. Trump said he did not ask FIFA to lift the suspension but requested that the case be reconsidered.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was surprised by the reported decision and is considering its legal options. Belgium’s foreign minister also said that if the suspension was lifted solely because of a phone call, it would represent a violation of football’s governing principles.
FIFA had not publicly responded to UEFA’s criticism at the time of publication.
