WASHINGTON: FIFA is facing sharp criticism after suspending United States striker Folarin Balogun’s automatic red-card ban, clearing him to face Belgium in Monday’s FIFA World Cup last-16 clash following intervention by United States President Donald Trump.
According to Reuters, Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the decision after Balogun was sent off. FIFA later suspended the implementation of the one-match ban for a probationary period of one year.
UEFA strongly criticised the decision, saying it had “crossed a red line”. The European governing body said an automatic one-match suspension after a red card was not discretionary and warned that making exceptions during a tournament threatened the integrity and credibility of the competition.
The Royal Belgian Football Association also questioned FIFA’s interpretation of its disciplinary code, saying red cards automatically result in suspension for the next match, as had applied to previous red cards during the tournament.
German Football Association President Bernd Neuendorf called on FIFA to urgently explain reports of a phone call between Trump and Infantino. He said any impression of political interference in sport must be dispelled quickly.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked the decision, saying he did not know July 5 had become April Fool’s Day.
“We are not defending the national team or the federation, we’re defending football,” Garcia said.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said the issue raised questions about consistency, while Norway coach Stale Solbakken called FIFA’s decision a major mistake that could damage the World Cup.
