UEFA has launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the governing body overturned the automatic suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun, describing the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”.

Balogun, who was shown a red card during the USA’s World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, had been expected to miss Tuesday’s last-16 clash with Belgium under the tournament’s automatic suspension rules.

Instead, FIFA opted not to enforce the one-match ban, allowing the Monaco forward to remain available for selection in a decision that has sparked widespread criticism across world football.

In a strongly worded statement, UEFA warned the move threatens the integrity of the competition and creates uncertainty over the application of disciplinary rules.

“An automatic one-match suspension is not a discretionary option,” UEFA said.

“It is a principle embedded in the regulations. When the certainty of the rules is no longer guaranteed by those responsible for enforcing them, the integrity of the game is at stake.”

UEFA also warned that the decision could create an unwanted precedent for the remainder of the tournament, with future disciplinary cases now likely to face similar scrutiny.

The controversy intensified after reports emerged that United States President Donald Trump had spoken directly with FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun’s suspension. According to CBS News, the conversation took place before FIFA confirmed the striker would be eligible to face Belgium.

Trump later praised FIFA for what he described as “reversing a great injustice”.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also criticised the decision, insisting football’s disciplinary process must remain independent of political influence.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote on social media.

“They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. Football must never become a playground for political power.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the situation has created confusion over how disciplinary decisions will be handled for the remainder of the tournament.

England defender Jarell Quansah will miss Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway after being sent off during the victory over Mexico, and Tuchel questioned where FIFA now draws the line.

“Where does this start and where does this end?” Tuchel said.

“If one decision can be overturned, then what about yellow cards or other VAR decisions? We just want consistency.”

Although Tuchel said he personally did not believe Balogun’s challenge warranted a red card, he argued that once VAR and the referee had reached a decision it should have been respected.

“The referee and VAR made their decision,” he added.

“The question is who overturns that decision, on what grounds and why? That’s what nobody seems able to explain.”

Belgium have also reacted angrily to the ruling, with the Belgian Football Association describing the decision as astonishing.

Head coach Rudi Garcia was equally critical, joking that FIFA’s decision made it feel as though “5 July had become 1 April”, in reference to April Fool’s Day.

Reports suggest Belgium have been granted permission to challenge the ruling before kick-off, an unusual step in FIFA disciplinary proceedings. Should FIFA maintain its position, the case could ultimately be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for an expedited hearing.

Balogun is the only player at the 2026 World Cup to avoid an automatic suspension following a red card, despite 12 other dismissed players serving bans under the competition’s regulations.

FIFA has relied on a clause within its disciplinary code allowing it to suspend or partially suspend disciplinary measures. However, critics argue that provision directly conflicts with the tournament regulations, which state that any player receiving a red card “will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match.”

With the USA’s knockout tie against Belgium fast approaching, the decision has become one of the biggest talking points of the tournament, raising fresh questions over consistency, governance and the independence of football’s disciplinary process.