UEFA has strongly criticised the decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban handed to Folarin Balogun following his red card, describing the move as unprecedented and a threat to the integrity of football.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA said the ruling crossed “a red line” and undermined one of the game’s most fundamental principles.
According to the European football governing body, the automatic one-match suspension that follows a red card is clearly outlined in the regulations and is not open to interpretation or discretion.
UEFA argued that the punishment takes effect automatically and does not require approval from any disciplinary body. It said making an exception during the middle of a major tournament was unfair, especially when other players who received red cards had already served their mandatory suspensions.
The organisation warned that failing to apply the rules consistently could damage the credibility of the competition and create a dangerous precedent for the remainder of the tournament.
It added that if one player is allowed to avoid an automatic suspension, similar cases would have to be treated the same way, potentially affecting the fairness of the competition.
UEFA stressed that football’s global appeal is built on the consistent application of its laws, regardless of where the game is played. It noted that decisions made at the FIFA World Cup carry significant influence and can have lasting consequences for the sport worldwide.
Expressing its frustration, UEFA described the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” insisting that the certainty and equal application of football’s rules must always be protected to preserve the integrity of the game.
