UEFA cries foul on FIFA's Balogun ban reversal
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Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic react to Balogun receiving a red card during the World Cup Round of 32 match. Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
The Union of European Football Associations said FIFA "crossed a red line" by lifting U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension.
Why it matters: UEFA, which represents most of Europe's soccer federations, came out swinging after FIFA reversed course — a move that followed President Trump's call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding answers about why the U.S. star had been sidelined.
What they're saying: "Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not," UEFA said in a statement posted to its website.
- "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."
- A one-match ban after a red card isn't a "discretionary option," UEFA said, and that rule can't be lifted mid-tournament while other players serve their suspensions.
- "Football 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. … We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision."
The other side: Infantino responded to the backlash on Monday, reiterating that "FIFA's judicial bodies are independent."
- "They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them," he said, adding that he "regularly" discusses FIFA-related matters with world leaders and other stakeholders.
- "I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them...[w]hether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant."
- "Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times."
U.S. Soccer did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
Catch up quick: Balogun was shown a red card against Bosnia on Wednesday after his cleat caught a defender's leg and slid down toward the ankle as he chased a loose ball.
- He was only given the red card after a video review.
- Balogun has either scored or assisted in every game he's played, so losing him would have left the U.S. without its most dangerous attacker against Belgium.
- Trump called Infantino, and FIFA lifted the ban for a one-year probationary period, causing some fans to decry political meddling.
Zoom in: "So I saw the play, and I'm a person that loves sports and … I understand sports really well, really well, and that wasn't a foul," Trump told reporters Monday morning.
- "That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other."
- "When they take your best player, or just about … and they say you can't play, that's very unfair. It's one thing to penalize somebody for the game, but how do you penalize them for a game that hasn't been played yet. It's very unfair. You can't do that."
- "So, yes, I asked for a review by FIFA."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the celebration Sunday, posting on Instagram, "Balogun is Free" with 🇺🇸⚽️🔥 emojis.
What we're watching: Balogun is expected to suit up Monday night against Belgium at 8pm ET in Seattle.
- Winning would send the U.S. to its first quarterfinal since 2002.
- The winner's next-round matchup will be against one of two heavyweights: Spain or Portugal.
- Here's how to watch.
Go deeper: Trump called FIFA's Infantino over Balogun suspension
Editor's note: This story has been updated with President Trump's and FIFA President Gianni Infantino's comments.
