UEFA may challenge FIFA decision on US player suspension

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is reportedly considering taking a position against a decision by FIFA to suspend the disciplinary ban of United States forward Folarin Balogun.

According to Politico, citing a senior UEFA official, the organisation is preparing to support the Royal Belgian Football Association following FIFA’s ruling, which allowed the player to be eligible for the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium.

While no final decision has been made, UEFA was expected to issue an official statement on Monday, potentially expressing concern over the development.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee had previously suspended Balogun’s red-card ban, clearing him to feature in the match. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the decision, writing on Truth Social that FIFA was “doing what was right and reversing a great injustice.”

Balogun was sent off during the Round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2–0) after a foul on defender Tarik Muharemović, in which he struck the opponent’s leg from behind with his studs. Under standard regulations, the forward would have been expected to miss the next fixture.

The United States are scheduled to face Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 7.