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European soccer’s governing body issued a harsh statement on Monday after FIFA suspended the red card ban issued to United States World Cup star Folarin Balogun.
UEFA said FIFA’s decision to suspend the implementation of Balogun’s one-match suspension “crossed a red line”.
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Folarin Balogun scored two goals in his first World Cup game for the United States. (Getty Images)
“Football, like any other sport, is based on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition,” UEFA said. “Sometimes the rules are open to interpretation. Not in this case. A minimum automatic suspension of one match after a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the promulgation of the decision of a competent body. It is a principle incorporated in the regulations, which cannot be subject to exceptions, much less in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and have regularly served their suspension.”
UEFA expressed concern about setting a precedent in the tournament and adding questions to the “integrity of the game.”
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Sead Kolasinac (5) of Bosnia talks to Folarin Balogun of the United States after Balogun was sent off, while Christian Pulisic (10) watches during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, California, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (Julio Cortés/AP)
“Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and it is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws,” the statement continued. “A tournament is never something purely independent and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to generate positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.
“We express our disbelief at an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”
Balogun will be available to play on Monday in the round of 16 match.
President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the decision, a source told Pak Gazette.
Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik and White House task force leader Andrew Giuliani assembled a team of lawyers outside the White House to question the use of slow-motion replay to give Balogun the red card, according to OutKick founder and Pak Gazette contributor Clay Travis.
Folarin Balogun of the US men’s national team speaks to the media before training in Seattle, Washington, on July 3, 2026. (Steven Bisig / Imagn Images)
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Belgium was reportedly granted the right to appeal the decision.
