According to Kicker, although Balogun being allowed to play did not change the final outcome of the US team's elimination, Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association, stated that the controversy surrounding FIFA's suspension of his red card ban cannot be simply set aside.

Neuendorf, who also serves as UEFA's representative on the FIFA Council, told the German Sports Information Service: "We have noted FIFA's response. I agree with UEFA's view that this matter cannot be simply closed and must first be discussed further among the European football associations."

He emphasized that FIFA must quickly and convincingly dispel suspicions of political interference in sports disciplinary decisions.

Neuendorf said: "This concerns the integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA."

Previously, UEFA had uncharacteristically issued strong public criticism of FIFA's handling of the Balogun incident, stating that the actions crossed a "red line."

FIFA President Infantino subsequently denied that he or US President Trump had influenced the disciplinary committee's decision. The FIFA disciplinary body also issued a separate statement, emphasizing that the ruling was not subject to external interference and that the committee remained independent.

However, Trump had previously admitted that he had spoken with Infantino by phone to discuss Balogun's red card in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match.

Balogun was sent off in the US team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA later suspended his one-match ban, allowing him to play in the US team's Round of 16 match against Belgium.

The US ultimately lost 1-4 to Belgium, and Balogun's participation did not change the outcome of the match.

Although the Balogun incident did not have a practical impact on the progression of the tournament, the precedent it set has sparked subsequent controversy.

England is also currently considering an appeal for Quansah, who was red-carded in England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16. Under the current penalty, he will miss the next match due to suspension.

Several British media outlets, citing internal FA sources, reported that England is examining whether to appeal Quansah's red card and the resulting ban. Quansah

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