New York, July 6 -- European football's governing body UEFA on Monday strongly criticized FIFA's decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium.
FIFA announced Sunday that it had suspended the implementation of Balogun's automatic suspension following his red card for a dangerous foul during the United States' 3-0 victoryover Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
The move drew widespread criticism, with the Royal Belgian Football Association expressing "astonishment" at what it described as an unprecedented decision.
Reports have suggested FIFA acted after receiving three telephone calls from U.S. President Donald...