UEFA criticizes FIFA over waived red-card ban

UEFA criticized FIFA after the red-card ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was waived during the tournament.

The European football body said a red card carries a minimum one-match suspension and that the rule cannot be set aside in the middle of a competition.

UEFA said the decision crossed “a red line” and created an unfair precedent because other players had served bans in the same situation.

The ban was reportedly suspended for one year after pressure from the U.S. government. FIFA and U.S. authorities have not commented.