UEFA says FIFA crossed a ‘red line’ over US player Balogun

UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, calling the move “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” Balogun was sent off with a straight red card during USA’s match against Bosnia, a decision that normally carries an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA later suspended the sanction for a probationary period of one year, clearing Balogun to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision came after the White House reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case, according to an AP source. The reported intervention, linked to US President Donald Trump, has sparked criticism and raised questions over political influence in football. In a statement, UEFA said the decision had “crossed a red line,” arguing that a minimum automatic suspension following a red card is not a discretionary option and should not be subject to exceptions during a tournament. UEFA warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent, especially as other players in similar situations had served their suspensions. “When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined,” UEFA said. The European football body said it expressed “disbelief” over FIFA’s decision, warning that the ruling could damage trust in the consistent application of football’s laws. (Newswire)