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FIFA criticized for lifting U.S. star's red card suspension after Trump phone call

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • FIFA is facing criticism for lifting a red card suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun after a reported call from President Trump to FIFA President Infantino.
  • UEFA called the decision "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable," stating it undermines the integrity and credibility of the game.
  • Other football officials and commentators, including Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, have also condemned the move, questioning FIFA's adherence to rules and sportsmanship.

FIFA is under fire for its decision to overturn a red card suspension for Folarin Balogun, the lead scorer for the U.S. Men's National Team, allowing him to play against Belgium in a World Cup match.

FIFA crossed a red line, and expressed its disbelief at a decision it called 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.'

— Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)UEFA's reaction to FIFA's decision to lift Balogun's suspension.

Sources indicate that President Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino, discussing Balogun's suspension. The 25-year-old striker would have missed the round of 16 match due to the red card. Following the reported call, FIFA lifted the suspension, a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from various football bodies and figures.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) expressed its "disbelief," labeling the decision "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." UEFA stated that when the certainty of rules is compromised, the integrity and credibility of the competition are at stake. They emphasized that soccer's global appeal relies on the trust that it is played everywhere under the same laws.

When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined.

— Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)UEFA's statement on the implications of FIFA's decision.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Royal Belgian Football Association, whose national team was set to face the U.S. They called the decision astonishing and contradictory to FIFA's own rules. Prominent British commentators, including former players Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville, also criticized the move. Rooney called it an "absolute disgrace," questioning the sportsmanship involved, while Neville suggested the decision "absolutely stinks" and called for a review process.

Soccer is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws.

— Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)UEFA's explanation of soccer's global appeal and the importance of consistent rules.

The European Union's Commissioner for Sport also deemed it the "wrong decision," asserting that sporting matters should be handled by sporting bodies, not politicians, to maintain the autonomy of sport.

We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.

— Royal Belgian Football AssociationThe Belgian football body's reaction to the FIFA decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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