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Published 6 July 2026 · sports

07/06/2026 July 6, 2026 Germany's Klopp, DFB, others blast FIFA for overturning US striker's suspension Thomas Tuchel said he believed it was a harsh red

07/06/2026 July 6, 2026 Germany's Klopp, DFB, others blast FIFA for overturning US striker's suspension Thomas Tuchel said he believed it was a harsh red card, but also that he couldn't understand the basis for revoking the call once it was made Image: Jeff Chiu/AP Photo/picture alliance German football officials have criticized FIFA for the apparent political decision to overturn the suspension of star US striker Folarin Balogun in time for tonight's World Cup match against Belgium in the round of 16. Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association (DFB), said that FIFA should "now issue a prompt statement regarding reports that the decision to overturn the red card...

was preceded by a telephone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino." Neuendorf said that the "impression that there has been active political interference in sport must be dispelled swiftly and conclusively," adding that the "integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA are at stake." The incoming heir apparent as German national team coach, Jürgen Klopp, said it would be "madness" and it would call "everything into question" if Trump and Infantino really collaborated on the call. "These two people, who know nothing about football, should have absolutely nothing to do with this," he said.

"This is our sport, not theirs." England's manager Thomas Tuchel, who is also German, was keen to stress that he did not believe Balogun should have received a straight red card for the foul. "But VAR got involved and obviously three people from VAR and the referee checked it, were then of the opinion that it was a red card. So, it's a decision that's made," Tuchel said. "Who overturns this decision and when? And on what grounds? And... how far does this go now? So it's just strange for me. We just have to have consistency in the decisions." It's very rare, but not unheard of, for red card suspensions to be overturned in the midst of a World Cup.

In 1962, Brazilian star Garrincha was meant to miss the final after a straight red card in the semi. But hosts Chile launched a successful appeal against his ban — even though he'd been sent off for a retaliatory foul against a Chilean in the 4-2 semifinal win — and he was allowed to contribute to Brazil's 3-1 victory over Czechoslovakia.