UEFA says FIFA 'crossed a red line' with Balogun red card U-turn at World Cup - AOL

UEFA criticized FIFA on Monday for lifting the World Cup red-card ban of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, saying FIFA “crossed a red line” after President Donald Trump personally intervened. UEFA said the move was “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” arguing it undermines the certainty of rules that supports the sport’s integrity. The backlash intensified because Belgium, the team facing the United States on Monday, led an angry response to FIFA’s disciplinary process. FIFA cleared Balogun to play after Trump urged Gianni Infantino to review the case, following Balogun’s dismissal in the round of 32. Reuters reported Balogun was sent off after a VAR review for dragging his cleats onto defender Tarik Muharemovic’s leg and foot. The original red card carried an automatic one-match ban, but FIFA suspended it for one year on probation without rescinding the card. UEFA echoed wider criticism, while FIFA did not respond to Reuters for comment.