World Cup: Storm over Balogun case, UEFA and Belgium against FIFA

A significant controversy has erupted over FIFA's decision to suspend a red card for American player Folarin Balogun on the eve of the USA-Belgium match, a move reportedly influenced by direct pressure from then-President Trump on FIFA President Infantino.

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The Fifa has passed a red line by suspending the red card for the American Falorin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has strongly condemned FIFA's action, labeling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." In a statement of unusual severity, UEFA argued that such decisions, when not based on clear interpretations of rules, endanger the integrity of the game and undermine the credibility of the World Cup itself.

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If the certainty of the rules is no longer guaranteed by their custodians, the integrity of the game is in danger and the credibility of a competition is undermined.

The Belgian government has also voiced its protest. Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stated that if a phone call led to this "incomprehensible choice," it would fundamentally undermine the most basic rules of sport. The Belgian Football Association has formally appealed FIFA's decision, with a new ruling anticipated.

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If indeed a phone call had led to this incomprehensible choice, it would amount to undermining the most elementary rules of sport.

Adding to the criticism, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter commented on social media that red cards should be overturned by rules and independent bodies, not political phone calls. He warned that football should not become a playing field for political power, especially when a player is suddenly cleared before a crucial knockout match.

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Red cards must not be overturned by political phone calls. They must be overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. Football must never become a playing field for political power.