STORY
UEFA has accused FIFA of crossing a “red line” after the world governing body reversed the automatic suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. The decision allowed Balogun to be available for the USA’s last 16 match against Belgium despite his red card in the previous round.
Balogun had been sent off during the United States’ round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a one-match ban expected to follow as normal. FIFA instead suspended the sanction under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, while leaving the red card on his disciplinary record.
UEFA said the decision was “incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and warned that it undermined the integrity and credibility of the competition. The governing body argued that automatic suspensions for red cards should not be treated as discretionary, particularly during the knockout stages of a World Cup.
The controversy has left FIFA facing serious questions over consistency, transparency and the independence of its disciplinary process. The decision has also placed further pressure on tournament organisers at a stage when the World Cup should be focused on football rather than disputes over rules, influence and special treatment.
Belgium reacted angrily to the reversal, with its football association questioning how FIFA had reached its decision. Reports said Belgian officials were considering legal action, arguing that the ruling appeared to conflict with FIFA’s own regulations.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia also criticised the timing and nature of the decision. CBS Sports reported that Garcia joked he “didn’t know that July 5 was equal to April 1 at FIFA”, reflecting the disbelief caused by the late change before the knockout tie.
The case has been made still more politically sensitive by reports that US President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the reversal. The Guardian reported that Trump made several calls to FIFA and that the White House’s World Cup task force was involved in legal arguments over the decision.
Those reports have fuelled concern that political pressure may have played a part in a decision affecting a host nation’s chances in the tournament. FIFA has cited its disciplinary code, but the lack of a detailed public explanation has intensified criticism from football authorities and commentators.