European Union and UEFA criticize FIFA for revoking US player's red card

Donald Trump thanked FIFA for reversing the red card given to an American striker
The European Union and UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) criticized FIFA this Monday (6) for revoking the red card given to United States player Folarin Balogun during the North American team's last match at the World Cup.
The European commissioner for sports affairs, Glenn Micallef, stated that decisions about sport "belong to the entities sports, not politicians" after reports of an alleged intervention by US President Donald Trump:
"Influencing sporting decisions would undermine the autonomy of sport. Our focus should be on the real governance challenges facing sport, including the instrumentalization of sport for political purposes."
Bookmark g1 on Google and follow the main news of the day
Folarin Balogun, from the USA, receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus.
Phil Noble / Reuters
UEFA, in a statement released to the press, declared that, with the decision, FIFA had "crossed a red line" and harmed the integrity of the sport:
"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision. When the certainty of the rules is no longer guaranteed by those responsible, the integrity of the game is at risk and the credibility of the competition is damaged."
The next game for the US team, by round of 16, will be this Monday, at 9pm, against Belgium, one of the European teams still in contention for the World Cup trophy.
Supposed Trump intervention
According to a US official, Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino directly to "better understand the reason" for the red card given to American striker Folarin Balogun during the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, last Wednesday (1st).
After reviewing the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, last Wednesday (1st). play on VAR, referee Raphael Claus sent off Balogun in the 18th minute of the final stage. The attacker received a red card for stepping on Muharemovic's ankle.
For TV Globo, the source, who spoke anonymously, stated that the US government "provided additional evidence that was used in the appeal process", but highlighted that the appeal process is led by an independent board.
President of the United States, Donald Trump, and President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, pose for a photo with the World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, at the White House. Photo from August 2025.
Disclosure/Casa Branca
On social media, the North American president congratulated FIFA and said that the body reversed a great injustice.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!", published the president.
Donald Trump congratulates FIFA for reversing the red card given to a US striker during the 2026 World Cup.
Reproduction
During a press conference this Sunday (5), the coach of the North American team, Mauricio Pochettino, celebrated the decision.
"We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina by playing with one less for 30 minutes, in a completely unfair decision. And not just because I am the coach of United States team and I need to defend my side. It's because I believe that 99.9% of people agree that that red card was unfair", said the Argentine coach.
Belgian Federation complains about the decision
Folarin Balogun, from the USA, during a game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Phil Noble / Reuters
The Belgian Football Federation was not happy with the suspension of the red card. In an official statement, the institution expressed "surprise" that Balogun will be able to play in the next match. The Belgians argue that "Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (expulsion) automatically results in suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case with all previous red cards applied during this World Cup". According to the Belgians, this rule was reaffirmed by FIFA in circulars and official meetings before each match of the tournament.
Under the claim of protecting the fundamental principles of "fair play" and the rights of the participating teams, the Belgian federation informed that it is already investigating all potential options in the case.
Now on g1

Source: G1