“A Red Line Was Crossed”: UEFA Condemns FIFA Ruling on US Player
World
FIFA’s decision to suspend the automatic ban imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun following his red card at the 2026 World Cup has triggered an international football controversy. UEFA called the move unprecedented and warned that it could threaten the integrity of the tournament.
Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was due to miss the round-of-16 match against Belgium. FIFA, however, invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code and suspended the one-match ban for a one-year probationary period.
According to The Guardian and the Associated Press, US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA officials to seek a review of the case. After the ruling, Trump said a “great injustice” had been corrected.
UEFA accused FIFA of having “crossed a red line,” describing the decision as incomprehensible and unjustifiable. The Belgian football association also expressed outrage and filed an appeal. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino, however, welcomed the ruling, arguing that Balogun’s original dismissal had been unfair.
According to The Guardian and the Associated Press, US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA officials to seek a review of the case. After the ruling, Trump said a “great injustice” had been corrected.
UEFA accused FIFA of having “crossed a red line,” describing the decision as incomprehensible and unjustifiable. The Belgian football association also expressed outrage and filed an appeal. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino, however, welcomed the ruling, arguing that Balogun’s original dismissal had been unfair.
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