SEATTLE/NEW JERSEY, July 6, 2026 (Alliance News): UEFA has sharply criticised FIFA after the world governing body suspended the one-match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun, calling the decision one that had “crossed a red line.”
Balogun had received a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team after a VAR review found he had stepped on an opponent’s foot. Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card carries an automatic one-match suspension, which would have ruled him out of the Americans’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium national football team.
However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the ban for one year, allowing the striker—who has already scored three goals in the tournament—to feature in the knockout match. The decision reportedly followed an intervention by Donald Trump, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also publicly called for the red card to be overturned.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA expressed disbelief over the ruling, saying football depends on consistent application of the laws of the game.
“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,” UEFA said.
The governing body warned that such an unprecedented decision could undermine confidence in football’s rules and damage the integrity of competitions worldwide.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia also criticised the ruling, joking that July 5 had suddenly become “April Fool’s Day” because of the unexpected decision.
Neymar Signals End of Brazil Career
Meanwhile, Brazil captain Neymar hinted that he may have played his final international match after Brazil’s shock 2-1 defeat to Norway national football team in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
The 34-year-old scored a stoppage-time penalty in the defeat but was left in tears as Brazil suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Speaking after the match, Neymar suggested his international career had come to an emotional end.
“I tried, I tried… Now it’s over! I started here, I finished here.”
He was referring to the stadium in New Jersey where he made his Brazil debut against the United States in 2010.
If confirmed, Neymar will retire from international football with an outstanding record of 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances for Brazil. Despite a glittering club career, his only senior international trophy remains the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Brazil’s elimination means the five-time world champions remain without a World Cup title since 2002. If they fail to win the next edition in 2030, their drought will stretch to 28 years—the longest in the nation’s history.
