‘Red line crossed’: UEFA angers FIFA over suspension of US star’s red card ban after Donald Trump’s intervention

Folarin Balogun (20) fouls Bosnian Tarik Muharemovic (4). Balogun was red carded in the game by US President Donald Trump. (AP) European soccer’s governing body UEFA criticized FIFA on Monday for allowing United States forward Folarin Balogun to start Tuesday’s (IST) World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium despite being red carded in the previous match.In a statement, UEFA called FIFA’s move an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision” and said the world body had “crossed a red line”.“Sometimes the rules are open to interpretation. Not in this case,” UEFA said, adding that “the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of the competition is compromised.”“The minimum automatic suspension of one match after a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the adoption of a decision by the competent authority. It is a principle enshrined in the regulations that cannot be subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players were in the same situation and were regularly serving punishment,” UEFA said in a statement.Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban was surprisingly suspended by FIFA on Sunday, allowing the American forward to play in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, a decision praised by US President Donald Trump and fueling outrage from the Red Devils.The Associated Press later reported that US President Donald Trump personally intervened to help Balogun lift the suspension.Balogun, who scored three goals for the United States at the tournament, was sent off after stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the USA’s 2-0 round of 16 win on Wednesday. A red card triggers an automatic one-game ban.But FIFA decided to postpone the punishment.“The implementation of match suspensions is suspended for a trial period of one year,” FIFA announced. “If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension will be lifted and the penalty enforced without prejudice to any additional penalty imposed for the new violation.”The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “stunned”.“The decision is in direct conflict with the provisions of the competition regulations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the statement said. “In order to protect the legitimate rights of all teams involved and protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is examining all potential options.”Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA’s action.“I didn’t know that in the FIFA offices, July 5 is April 1 in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator in the April Fool’s Day comparison.