UEFA says FIFA’s decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an automatic red-card suspension threatens the integrity of football, with critics warning politics must never influence the rules of the game.
UEFA has launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the world football governing body overturned the automatic suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the country’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Balogun, who was sent off during the USA’s group-stage match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, was expected to miss Tuesday’s knockout game under the tournament’s disciplinary rules. Instead, FIFA ruled that the 25-year-old would be eligible to play.
The decision has triggered widespread criticism across the football world.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA described 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.
The European governing body warned that the ruling could create a dangerous precedent during the tournament, arguing that similar disciplinary cases would now demand equal treatment.
Belgium also reacted angrily.
The Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision, while Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, questioned reports that political influence may have played a role.
“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.
According to CBS News, the BBC’s US media partner, Balogun’s reinstatement came after US President Donald Trump reportedly spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday about the suspension.
Trump later praised FIFA for what he called “reversing a great injustice.”
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also criticised the development, warning against political interference in football.
“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote on X.
“They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. Football must never become a playground for political power.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the decision had created confusion over how disciplinary rules are now being applied.
His comments came after England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off against Mexico and is expected to miss the quarter-final against Norway.
“Where does this start and where does this end now?” Tuchel asked.
“Who overturns this decision and on what grounds? We just want consistency in the decisions.”
Tuchel argued that while he personally did not believe Balogun deserved a red card, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) had reviewed the incident and confirmed the referee’s decision.
“The decision is made. Who overturns this decision and when? It’s just strange for me,” he said.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also questioned the ruling.
“I didn’t know that at the FIFA World Cup 5 July is now 1 April, and that is April Fool’s,” Garcia said.
“We are not defending the national team or the federation, we’re defending football.”
According to The Athletic, Belgium has been granted permission to appeal the decision, an unusual move that allows a future opponent to become involved in a disciplinary case before a match.
If FIFA maintains its position, the matter could be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which has established a special panel to hear urgent appeals during the tournament.
Balogun was one of 13 players sent off at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The other 12 players all served at least a one-match suspension.
FIFA relied on a clause in its disciplinary code that allowed it to suspend the enforcement of disciplinary sanctions. However, tournament regulations state that any player shown a red card “will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match.”
The decision comes amid growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA over several issues in recent months, adding another chapter to an increasingly strained relationship between football’s two biggest governing bodies.
