Tuchel Blasts FIFA Over Balogun Ban Reversal After Trump Call

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 6

Thomas Tuchel said FIFA had created “total confusion” by letting U.S. striker Folarin Balogun play against Belgium despite a red card that normally triggers an automatic one-match ban.
CBS News said the reversal followed a Thursday call from Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while reports said the U.S. challenged the use of slow-motion VAR replays.
13 players have been sent off at the 2026 World Cup, and Balogun is the only one not to serve at least the next match suspension; FIFA relied on a disciplinary-code clause allowing measures to be fully or partly suspended.
That clause appears to clash with tournament rules stating a red card brings an automatic ban, and Tuchel questioned who can overturn VAR-backed decisions and on what grounds.
Tuchel linked the issue to England defender Jarell Quansah’s red card in the 3-2 win over Mexico, warning the Balogun case could open endless appeals before England’s quarter-final against Norway.