2026 World Cup: Uefa says ‘integrity of game at risk’ over Folarin Balogun decision
England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, says there is complete confusion about the disciplinary system at the World Cup after Balogun’s decision.
With Jarell Quansah sent off in England’s 3-2 win over Mexico, Tuchel was asked whether he would appeal to Fifa to lift the defender’s ban ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway (22:00 BST).
“Where does this begin and where does it end now?” Tuchel said. “Can we roll it over or not? What’s going on?
“The question I’m asking is where do I draw the line, I don’t have an answer to that.
“We complain if a yellow card is not a yellow card? We think it is not a red card or who thinks? Where does this thing start and where does it end? My question. I have no answer.”
Both Balogun and Quansah were sent off following a VAR review.
Tuchel believes the intervention has created uncertainty about the rules.
“I think first of all, it’s very clear, that [Balogun] it wasn’t a red card,” said Tuchel.
“But VAR got involved and obviously the three VARs and the referee looked at it and saw it was a red card, so the decision is made.
“Who overturns this decision and when and on what grounds? And how far does this go now? It’s amazing to me. We just want to be consistent in decisions.
“So, is our yellow card after the first minute against Declan Rice… now we can argue endlessly. I think it’s not a yellow card. Do we get this?
“Does France get a yellow card? [Michael] The one that wasn’t a yellow card? Where does this end? Where does it stand?
“I don’t know the rules and I’m not the right person to ask. I’ll wait and see what’s coming.”
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said: “I didn’t know that.” [at] the July 5th FIFA World Cup is now April 1st, and that’s April Fool’s.
“We are not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football.”
The Belgian FA said Fifa “refused to respond to the RBFA’s official requests” for information.
The RBFA had requested a copy of the decision, an explanation of the procedure followed and applicable regulations.
Fifa responded to the letter by saying that it considered it an appeal, appointed a judge and gave the RBFA just a few hours’ notice.
For an appeal to be accepted, written reasons must first be given. However, the Belgian FA did not receive this.
“Although the RBFA wanted reasonable explanations, Fifa made a complaint and immediately confirmed that it would be declared inadmissible,” reads the statement.
It added: “The RBFA is deeply concerned about what is happening and will continue to fight in the hours, days and months ahead to protect the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole.”
If Fifa stands by its decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has established a temporary division., outside to hear the prompt and independent resolution of appeals against decisions in the competition.
