FIFA ‘crossed a red line' in Balogun reprieve — UEFA

Balogun standing with Pulisic awaiting the ref verdict after a VAR check on an infraction | AFP

FIFA “crossed a red line” with the controversial decision to suspend US star Folarin Balogun’s one game ban for a year, European football’s governing body UEFA said on Monday.

FIFA’s ruling, which came after the intervention of Donald Trump, permits Balogun to play in the co-hosts’ World Cup last 16 match with Belgium later on Monday.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line,” read UEFA’s strongly worded statement.

“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.”