The governing body of European football UEFA On Monday he criticized FIFA for allowing United States player Folarin Balogun to play on Tuesday (IST) FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium despite receiving a red card in the previous match.In a statement, UEFA called FIFA’s move “incomprehensible and unacceptable” and said the world body had “crossed a red line.”“Sometimes the rules can be interpreted. In this case not,” UEFA said, adding that “the integrity of the game is at risk and the integrity of the competition is reduced.”“A one-game suspension after receiving a red card is not an option and does not mean that the appropriate organization has been established. It is a principle in the rules, which cannot be followed, let alone in the middle of the competition when several other players have experienced the same thing and have been suspended permanently,” UEFA said in a statement.Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban was dramatically lifted by FIFA on Sunday, allowing the American player to play in the World Cup’s round of 16 against Belgium, a decision that was praised by the US president. Donald Trump and inspired anger from the Red Devils.The Associated Press later reported that US President Donald Trump had intervened to help Balogun lift the suspension.Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament for the United States, was shown a red card after stepping on the right leg of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic as the USA won 2-0 in the Round of 32 on Wednesday. A red card results in a one-match suspension.FIFA, however, decided to suspend the punishment.“The imposition of a match suspension is a trial period of one year,” FIFA announced. “If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of similar gravity during the probation period, the suspension will be lifted and the punishment will be enforced without prejudice to any other punishment that will be imposed for the new violation.”The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “surprised.”“This proposal is in direct conflict with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations,” it said. “In order to protect the legal rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play at our FIFA World Cup and in future tournaments, the RBFA is investigating all possible actions.”Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticized FIFA’s actions.“I didn’t know that in the FIFA offices the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe,” Garcia said through an interpreter in comparison to April Fools’ Day.
