UEFA has strongly criticised the decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban issued to Folarin Balogun following his red card, describing the move as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.
In a statement released on Monday, UEFA said the decision crossed “a red line,” arguing that the automatic one-match suspension for a player sent off is a fundamental rule of football and should not be subject to interpretation or exceptions.
According to UEFA, the minimum one-match suspension following a red card is mandatory under football regulations and does not require approval from any disciplinary body before taking effect.
The governing body warned that failing to enforce the rule consistently threatens the integrity of the game and undermines the credibility of competitions, particularly during a major tournament where other players have already served automatic suspensions under the same regulations.
UEFA also expressed concern that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent for the remainder of the tournament, saying similar incidents would now have to be treated in the same manner, potentially affecting the fairness of the competition.
“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,” UEFA said in its statement.
The organisation added that decisions made during major tournaments, especially the World Cup, have far-reaching consequences for the sport globally and must uphold the principles of fairness, transparency and consistency.
Concluding its statement, UEFA said it was in disbelief over the decision, insisting that the application of football’s rules must remain certain to protect the integrity and credibility of the game.
