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UEFA on Monday condemned FIFA's decision to overturn U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's automatic World Cup suspension, arguing the move threatens the integrity of the competition and is "unjustifiable."
The decision, which followed U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention, allows Balogun to face Belgium in the United States' Round of 16 match later Monday after FIFA suspended the implementation of his one-match ban for a probationary period of one year.
In a strongly worded statement, the European football body argued that world football's governing body had "crossed a red line" by making an exception to a rule it described as fundamental to ensuring fair and transparent competition.
UEFA stressed that a minimum one-match suspension following a red card is automatic under football regulations and does not require approval from a disciplinary body to take effect.
The organization argued the rule leaves no room for discretion and should not be altered in the middle of a tournament, particularly after other players in similar situations had already served their suspensions. According to UEFA, changing its application undermines the credibility of the World Cup and opens the door to similar demands in future cases.
"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," UEFA said.
The governing body concluded its statement by expressing "disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision."
Balogun was shown a red card in the 64th minute of the United States' 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. The New York-born striker has scored three goals during the tournament.
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended the implementation of Balogun's automatic ban under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, making the 25-year-old forward eligible for the knockout match against Belgium.
Trump welcomed FIFA's ruling on Sunday, thanking the world governing body on Truth Social for what he described as reversing "a great injustice."
The United States is chasing its first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002. Before FIFA announced its decision, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Balogun's dismissal, saying the striker had been "treated unfairly" and lamenting the lack of an appeals process.
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