UEFA says FIFA crossed a line on Balogun decision

According to Axios, European soccer's governing body says FIFA crossed a red line by wiping out a suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun was shown a red card against Bosnia on Wednesday after a video review, when his cleat caught a defender's leg near the ankle. That would normally mean an automatic one-match ban. But after President Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding answers, FIFA reversed course and cleared Balogun to play. UEFA called the move unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable, warning that when the certainty of the rules is no longer guaranteed by their guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake. U.S. Soccer did not respond to a request for comment. Balogun, who has scored or assisted in every match he's played, is expected to start Monday night against Belgium in Seattle, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.

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