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 president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump. The statement comes as the Belgian Football Association, which will face the US tonight, also condemned the reversal.
The Belgian Football Association has joined UEFA in condemning FIFA's decision to overturn the red card shown to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, raising the pressure on world football's governing body ahead of tonight's round-of-16 match between Belgium and the United States. The condemnation came hours after UEFA issued a dramatic statement rejecting the reversal, which followed a reported phone call between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump.
As The Zioneer reported earlier today (Monday 12:57 Jerusalem), UEFA's statement marked an escalation in a crisis that began Sunday evening. At 20:51 Jerusalem on Sunday, The Zioneer first reported that FIFA had rescinded Balogun's suspension after Trump thanked the organization. Within minutes, the thread expanded: the New York Times cited sources saying Trump personally lobbied Infantino; Ynet reported that Trump specifically asked for a review; and FIFA confirmed the cancellation allowed Balogun to play. The initial report from journalist Asaf Rozentzweig (N12) was corroborated by multiple newsrooms within hours. UEFA's initial condemnation, also published Sunday at 20:51, called the move 'incomprehensible' and a 'red line.' Now, Belgium's federation has added its voice.
The case is unprecedented at a major tournament: The Zioneer reported on Sunday (22:56 Jerusalem) that this is the first time since 1962 that a red card has been overturned following direct political intervention by a sitting head of state. The Zioneer has also previously reported on FIFA President Infantino's interactions with the Trump administration, including a June 11 bulletin in which he told critics to 'chill' over a Somali referee's U.S. entry denial.
No official statement has been released by FIFA or the White House beyond the initial reports of the call. The match between Belgium and the United States is scheduled for tonight.
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