UEFA has accused FIFA of "crossing a red line" after the world governing body controversially suspended Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban, allowing the United States forward to feature in Monday's World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium.
The decision came after US President Donald Trump intervened, with sources telling AFP that he personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the suspension.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA criticised FIFA's handling of the case, warning the decision could undermine the integrity of football.
"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.
"Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not."
UEFA also warned that the consequences could extend far beyond the current World Cup.
"Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws.
"A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.
"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision."
Balogun, who has scored three goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was initially set to miss the United States' knockout match after receiving a straight red card in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.
The Arsenal striker was dismissed following a VAR review after stepping on an opponent's foot.
Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card automatically results in a one-match suspension.
However, FIFA's disciplinary committee ruled on Sunday that the ban would instead be suspended for one year, allowing Balogun to remain available for selection. No detailed explanation accompanied the decision.
According to AFP sources, President Trump contacted Infantino directly to ask FIFA to reconsider the suspension.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly called for the red card to be overturned.
Following FIFA's announcement, Trump celebrated the outcome on his Truth Social platform.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia reacted with disbelief when informed of the decision ahead of Monday's last-16 encounter.
"I didn't know that at the FIFA World Cup, the 5th of July is now the 1st of April, and that it's April Fool's Day."
The ruling has become one of the most controversial moments of the 2026 World Cup, drawing criticism from across the football world and intensifying scrutiny of FIFA's disciplinary process.
