Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister said there was a risk of “a complete collapse” of political interference in football after Folarin Balogun avoided a World Cup ban.
Balogun was expected to be suspended for the USA’s last-16 tie against Belgium after a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
But the Monaco striker later played against the Belgians His one-game ban was suspended by FIFA following the intervention of US President Donald Trump.
FIFA’s decision drew widespread criticism, Trump said privately Ask for a review Balogun was dismissed because he “didn’t think it was a foul”.
European football’s governing body UEFA expressed “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unreasonable decision”.
Now former Wales international McAllister, a UEFA vice-president from 2023, said he was concerned about what Balogan’s decision – and Trump’s involvement – could mean for football.
“You’re creating a perfect cesspit for the future because anyone can appeal,” he told BBC Radio Wales.
“Any political leader could potentially pick up the phone and say there’s a precedent for changing a player’s punishment and I think that’s very dangerous.
“I work with UEFA and we are very clear about what the rules of our competition are. We know exactly what rules and regulations apply – as do all participants at the start – so creating an environment where you can undermine the on-pitch penalties for right or wrong is very dangerous”.
