UEFA Blast FIFA Over Suspension of Folarin’s Red Card
A major row has erupted in world football after UEFA accused FIFA of “crossing a red line” by suspending the automatic one-match ban handed to US striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
Balogun had been set to miss the United States’ Round of 16 clash with Belgium after receiving a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under FIFA rules, a straight red card carries an automatic one-game suspension.
However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the ban for a year, allowing him to play.
The controversy has intensified following reports that US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the punishment.
UEFA said the decision was “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” warning that it could undermine trust in the rules of the game.
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