UEFA condemns FIFA decision to suspend Balogun ban

European football governing body UEFA has criticised FIFA's decision to suspend the implementation of United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban at the FIFA World Cup, saying the move undermined the integrity of the game.

In a statement on Monday, UEFA said it was "in disbelief" over FIFA's decision, which came after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red card.

"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," UEFA said.

"When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake, and the credibility of a competition is undermined," it added.

Balogun, who has scored three goals for the United States during the tournament, was sent off after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review for dragging his studs down the back of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic's leg during the teams' round-of-32 match.

The dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension, ruling Balogun out of the United States' round-of-16 match against Belgium.

However, FIFA suspended the implementation of the ban for a one-year probationary period without overturning the red card.

The decision also prompted a response from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which said it was "astonished" by FIFA's ruling.

According to The Athletic, the RBFA has lodged an appeal with FIFA over the matter.