UEFA has criticised FIFA’s “unjustifiable decision” to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban ahead of the US men’s national team’s round 16 match against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the round-of-32
match between the US and Bosnia & Herzegovina for a dangerous foul. He was
supposed to miss the team’s match against Belgium on Tuesday.
On Sunday, however, FIFA announced an unprecedented decision
to suspend the 25-year-old’s one-match ban for one year, making him available
for the last-16 game.
The ruling has continued to generate mixed reactions
globally, and it was further revealed that a member of the US White House had
earlier called Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, to review the red card
decision.
In a statement on Monday, UEFA said FIFA crossed a “red
line’ with the verdict.
The European football body said a mandatory suspension for a
red card received on the pitch “is not a discretionary option and does not
require the decision of a competent body to be enacted”.
UEFA added that the decision “creates a precedent” that
could be detrimental to the ongoing FIFA World Cup or the sport itself.
Earlier, the Belgian FA described the FIFA ruling as
contravening the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition regulations
and said it is investigating “all potential options” to protect the integrity
of the game.
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