England manager Thomas Tuchel has questioned the 'strange' decision by FIFA to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban at the World Cup, following political interference from the White House. Balogun, a US striker, was sent off in the last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and was initially set to miss the last-16 clash with Belgium. However, FIFA reversed the punishment after being contacted by the White House, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.
Tuchel questions FIFA's consistency
Speaking after England's 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday, Tuchel expressed confusion over the decision. 'I think first of all, to be very clear, that it was not a red card,' Tuchel said. 'But VAR got involved and obviously three people from VAR and the referee checked it and were of the opinion it is a yellow card so the decision is made. Who overturns this decision and when and on what grounds? And how far does this go now? It is just strange for me. We just want to have consistency in the decisions.'
Tuchel also queried whether other bookings could be overturned, referencing Declan Rice's early yellow card. 'So, is our yellow card after the first minute against Declan Rice... We can now debate endlessly. I think it is not a yellow card. Do we get this back? Does France get the yellow card back for Michael Olise against Paraguay which was not a yellow card? Where does this end? I don't know the rules. I am the wrong person to ask. I will wait and see what's coming.'
Quansah red card adds to confusion
Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Jesus Gallardo during the win over Mexico, with VAR alerting the referee. While there is little chance of overturning that decision, Tuchel said he no longer understands the process after Balogun's suspension was lifted. 'Where does this start and where does this end now? Can we overturn it or not overturn it? What's going on? Where to draw the line is the question that I ask. I have no answer to that. Where does this end now? Do we appeal if a yellow card is not a yellow card. Do we think it is not a red card or who thinks it? Where does this start and where does this end?'
When it was suggested that captain Harry Kane could lobby US President Donald Trump—who had posted about Kane on Truth Social—Tuchel joked, 'Maybe, that's a good starting point.'
Belgian federation and manager slam FIFA
The Belgian Football Federation declared they were 'astonished' by the decision and are 'investigating all potential options.' Belgium manager Rudi Garcia also criticized the move. 'The federation does not defend itself, it does not defend the national team – it defends football in general. It defends its integrity. It defends its ethics,' Garcia said.
England now face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday after Erling Haaland inspired a 2-0 win over Brazil. Tuchel's side will hope to avoid further controversy as they pursue World Cup glory.
