July 6 (Reuters) – FIFA has lifted the automatic red-card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to compete against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 match on Monday. This decision followed a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reassess the ban.
The decision has sparked considerable discontent among the global soccer community.
Here are some of the critical reactions:
UEFA (European soccer’s governing body)
“The recent decision to delay for one year the enforcement of the one-match automatic suspension for Folarin Balogun’s red card has breached a significant boundary.
“An automatic one-match suspension following a red card is mandatory and does not necessitate a decision from a governing body to be applied.
“This is a fundamental rule embedded in regulations, which should not be subjected to exceptions, particularly during a tournament where numerous players in similar situations have served their suspensions.
“When the assurance of rules is no longer maintained by those entrusted to uphold them, the integrity of the game is jeopardized and the competition’s credibility is weakened.
“Moreover, this decision sets a precedent for the ongoing tournament, requiring similar cases to be treated equally, to the detriment of the competition.”
ROYAL BELGIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
“FIFA’s decision relies on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows the Disciplinary Committee to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“Nevertheless, Article 66.4 of the same code clearly stipulates that a red card results in an automatic suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for every red card issued during this FIFA World Cup.”
GERMAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (DFB) PRESIDENT BERND NEUENDORF
“FIFA should promptly address reports that the reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red card followed a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“It is essential to dispel any impression of political interference in sports swiftly and conclusively. The integrity of the competition and FIFA’s credibility are at risk.”
EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR SPORT GLENN MICALLEF
“Numerous football fans and former players have criticized the suspension of Balogun. As a fan, I also believe it was an incorrect decision.
“However, I have consistently maintained that decisions regarding sporting rules and matters should be made by sporting bodies, not politicians. Political influence would compromise the independence of sport.
“We should focus on the genuine governance challenges facing sport, including the use of sport for political purposes.”
BELGIUM COACH RUDI GARCIA
“I didn’t expect that July 5 at the FIFA World Cup would turn into April 1, and it’s April Fool’s. We are defending football, not the national team or the federation.”
FORMER FIFA CHIEF SEPP BLATTER
“Red cards are overturned based on rules, evidence, and independent bodies, not political phone calls. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President, leading to a player being cleared before a World Cup knockout match, the unavoidable question is: Quo vadis, FIFA? Football must not become a political playground.”
ENGLAND MANAGER THOMAS TUCHEL
“To be clear, it was not a red card. But VAR intervened, and three people from VAR and the referee concluded it was a red card, making it a finalized decision.
“Who reverses this decision, when, and on what grounds? How far does this go now? It’s strange to me. We just want consistent decisions.”
NORWAY COACH STALE SOLBAKKEN
“FIFA made a significant mistake. It was a red card, confirmed by VAR, and the player was sent off.
“This means a one-game suspension, and I think the situation could negatively impact the United States because if they beat Belgium, they will always have this hanging over them.”
“It’s a poor decision that will harm the World Cup, and I feel for the United States because if they win, this will always be in question, which is not good for the sport — a poor decision by FIFA.”
FORMER LIVERPOOL MANAGER JUERGEN KLOPP
“This is our sport, not theirs.”
“If Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino truly resolved this between themselves, it is madness; it questions everything. These two individuals, who know nothing about football, should have absolutely no involvement in this.”
