US Forward Receives Red Card but Can Still Play; UEFA Criticizes FIFA for Crossing the Line

2026 World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Nyon, Switzerland, July 6, Combined News) After US President Trump requested a review of the red card received by US team forward Balogun in a previous World Cup match, FIFA has temporarily suspended the enforcement of Balogun's ban. In response, UEFA has criticized FIFA for "crossing the line" and damaging the fairness of the game.

Reuters reported that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) issued a statement today stating: "We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unreasonable decision."

"When the clarity of rules is no longer guaranteed by the guardians, the fairness of the game is in jeopardy, and the credibility of the competition is undermined."

Reuters has sought comment from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

Donald Trump had requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card given to Folarin Balogun, which would have automatically disqualified Balogun from today's Round of 16 match against Belgium.

FIFA has temporarily suspended the ban, placing Balogun on a one-year observation period, but the red card has not been rescinded.

This shocking decision has brought FIFA's disciplinary procedures into the spotlight and has also sparked strong dissatisfaction from Belgium.

AFP reported that Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stated in a declaration today: "This decision is incomprehensible, and if that phone call was indeed the reason, it would be a blatant violation of the most fundamental rules of football and sports." (Compiled by Yang Zhaoyan) 1150706

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