US decision was the last straw! UEFA issues a very harsh warning to FIFA

06.07.2026 13:30

FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card ban, allowing the USMNT player to feature in the match against Belgium, drew a strong reaction from UEFA. UEFA argued that the decision undermines the principle of fair and honest competition in football, stating that granting exceptions to automatic red card suspensions during a tournament would set a precedent and damage the credibility of the game.

The way has been cleared for US footballer Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, despite receiving a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A harsh statement came from UEFA after FIFA suspended Balogun's automatic one-match ban for a period of one year.

"CROSSED THE RED LINE"

In a statement on UEFA's official social media account, it was stated that the decision is incompatible with the fundamental principles of football.

The statement noted that suspending the automatic one-match ban following a red card "crossed the red line," emphasizing that football is based on fair, honest, and transparent competition rules.

"THIS IS NOT AN ARBITRARY OPTION"

UEFA stated that the automatic one-match ban following a red card is a fundamental principle in the regulations.

The statement expressed that this penalty is not an option that can be applied arbitrarily and cannot be subject to an exception, especially while the tournament is ongoing.

"THE INTEGRITY OF THE GAME WOULD BE AT RISK"

UEFA argued that if the certainty of the rules is not maintained, the credibility of football would be harmed.

It was noted that the decision could set a precedent for the ongoing tournament, leading to demands for equal treatment in similar situations, which would damage the competition.

"UNPRECEDENTED, INCOMPREHENSIBLE, AND UNFAIR"

The UEFA statement also expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision.

The decision was described as "unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unfair," emphasizing that decisions made in a major tournament like the World Cup could have consequences for all of football.