FIFA suspending USA forward Folarin Balogun’s red card ban “crossed a red line”, according to UEFA.
The union of European Football Associations (UEFA) released a statement this morning, saying football “relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition”.
“Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not,” UEFA added in the statement.
“A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.
“It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension”,it continued.
Balogun was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 1 July but FIFA subsequently announced his ban would be suspended, allowing the striker to play for the USA against Belgium in their round of 16 clash, which is at 1am UK time tomorrow.
UEFA said that “when the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed,” then the “integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined”.
The European footballing body then said the decision created a precedent in the ongoing tournament, “where similar situations will now require equal treatment”.
It added that decisions at the World Cup can “drive positive or negative consequences” on football, before signing off by saying: “We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”
Belgium, who play the USA at 1am on Tuesday UK time in the World Cup’s round of 16, are appealing against the decision to alter Balogun’s ban.
The row is also relevant for England after Jarell Quansah – one of the few fit Three Lions players capable of playing at right-back – picked up a red card. The English FA may now point out the unfairness of a US player being allowed to play at the World Cup, after having their ban suspended. – Sky Sports.
