UEFA has criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, warning that the move threatens the integrity of the World Cup and sets a dangerous precedent for future disciplinary cases.
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina and, under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, was expected to miss his country’s last-16 clash against Belgium.
However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the sanction, allowing the 25-year-old forward to remain available for selection.
The decision has drawn widespread criticism across European football, with UEFA describing the move as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
“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 in a statement.
“Equally, such a decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.”
Political influence concerns grow
The controversy intensified after CBS News reported that United States President Donald Trump had spoken with FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun’s suspension before the decision was announced.
Trump later praised FIFA on social media for what he described as “reversing a great injustice.”
Belgium have also reacted strongly ahead of their meeting with the United States. The Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed it would challenge Balogun’s eligibility, while Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot questioned whether political intervention influenced the outcome.
“If a phone call is really the reason for this incomprehensible decision, it would be a blatant violation of the most basic rules of football and sport,” Prevot said.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also criticised the development, writing that “football must never become a playground for political power.”
European Union commissioner for sport Glenn Micallef echoed similar concerns, insisting sporting decisions should remain independent.
“Influencing sporting decisions would undermine the autonomy of sport,” he posted on X.
The latest dispute adds to growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA, with both governing bodies having disagreed over several issues in recent months.