UEFA says decision by FIFA to let US forward play at World Cup is 'incomprehensible'
UEFA called the ruling unjustifiable after FIFA put Balogun’s suspension on one-year probation, allowing him to face Belgium.
- On Monday, FIFA permitted United States forward Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup match against Belgium, deferring his mandatory one-game suspension to a one-year probationary period.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino intervened to review the red card following pressure from President Donald Trump, choosing to defer rather than enforce the mandatory ban.
- European soccer body UEFA denounced the decision as "incomprehensible and unjustifiable," stating that FIFA "crossed a red line" with its choice not to enforce the mandatory ban.
- The Belgian soccer federation is challenging the ruling before a FIFA-appointed appeals judge in Seattle, with the round of 16 game set to kick off at 5 p.m. local time.
- Norway coach Solbakken criticized the ruling as a "bad" decision that damages the FIFA World Cup, while critics warn the inconsistency undermines the competition's integrity.
171 Articles
171 Articles
UEFA says FIFA ‘crossed a red line’ with Balogun red card U-turn at World Cup
July 6 (Reuters) - European soccer body UEFA lashed out on Monday at FIFA's decision to suspend a U.S. striker's World Cup red-card ban, saying world soccer's governing body had "crossed a red line" after President Donald Trump personally intervened in...
'Crossed a red line': FIFA engulfed in European firestorm set off by Trump
President Donald Trump's interference in FIFA to un-suspend red-carded American footballer Folarin Balogun has triggered a firestorm of outrage in the European Union.Generally, a red card, issued for severe misconduct in play, triggers an automatic one-game suspension. However, Trump's behind-the-scenes call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino ensured Balogun was cleared to play for Team USA despite his behavior in the match with Bosnia."We respe…
The European Football Union (UEFA) has strongly criticized the International Football Federation (FIFA) for its decision to allow American striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium in the round of 16 of the World Cup, despite the red card he received in the previous game.
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