Fifa defends Balogun reprieve after Uefa attacks World Cup call
What's new: Fifa said its disciplinary panel acted independently, even after Donald Trump acknowledged calling Gianni Infantino.
Fifa pushed back against Uefa's criticism of its decision to let United States striker Folarin Balogun play after his red card, arguing that suspending sanctions is common in domestic competitions and did not overturn the referee's call. The dispute erupted after Balogun, sent off in the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, was cleared to face Belgium despite World Cup rules that normally trigger an automatic one-match ban. Uefa said the move crossed a "red line" and damaged the tournament's integrity. Fifa disciplinary committee chair Mohammad al-Kamali said the panel acted independently. The row intensified after Donald Trump said he called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask for the case to be reviewed.