UEFA issued a harsh statement against FIFA's decision to overturn the red card shown to US national team player Folarin Balogun, following a reported call between FIFA's president and President Donald Trump.
The Zioneer reports that UEFA escalated its confrontation with FIFA on Monday, issuing a statement that condemns the decision to allow U.S. forward Folarin Balogun to play in the round of 16 as "incomprehensible" and a "red line," explicitly citing the reported telephone call between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump. The statement follows a series of reports Sunday evening: initial word that FIFA had overturned the red card and that Trump thanked the organization, then reports that Trump personally lobbied Infantino, resulting in the reversal, and finally FIFA's confirmation that Balogun was cleared for the match against Belgium. The public condemnation marks a rare breach between European and world football authorities over disciplinary independence.
The Zioneer first reported Sunday at 20:51 Jerusalem that FIFA had rescinded the suspension of Balogun, who had been red-carded against Bosnia, and that President Trump had personally thanked the organization. Shortly after, at the same timestamp, the desk reported that Trump had personally lobbied Infantino, according to sources cited by the New York Times, describing it as the first such reversal since 1962. Subsequent reports at the same Jerusalem time noted that Trump specifically requested a review, and that FIFA officially canceled the suspension. Later, at 20:51 Jerusalem, FIFA confirmed Balogun was cleared for the round of 16 match against Belgium. Corroboration evolved from a single journalist's report (N12) to multiple newsrooms (NYT, Ynet) and finally to an official FIFA confirmation.
The Zioneer published a background article Sunday at 22:56 Jerusalem detailing Trump's unprecedented intervention. The desk has also reported on previous tensions between FIFA and UEFA, as well as Infantino's response to critics over a Somali referee's entry denial. The Belgian football association, which faces the U.S. in tonight's round of 16 match, also condemned the move.
It remains unclear whether FIFA will respond to UEFA's condemnation or whether any further disciplinary review of the process is forthcoming. The specific wording of the reported call between Trump and Infantino has not been independently verified.
7 developments
- DevelopingEU Sports Commissioner says decisions on sports rules belong to sports bodies, not politicians — after FIFA overturns US red card
- DevelopingFIFA president Infantino tells critics to 'chill' over Somali referee's US entry denial
- DevelopingUEFA makes dramatic decision on Israel national team match
- DevelopingUEFA appoints Somali referee Omar Artan to Super Cup final after US denied him entry
Source and signal
- Internal intake