FIFA's handling of two red-card incidents at the World Cup has drawn scrutiny after England defender Jarell Quansah received a two-match suspension, while U.S. striker Folarin Balogun avoided an immediate ban for a similar foul.

Quansah was sent off in England’s last-16 victory over Mexico following a video review that deemed his sliding studs-up challenge as serious foul play. He was subsequently handed a two-match ban, which England’s Football Association stated it could not appeal.

In contrast, Balogun was sent off during the United States’ round-of-32 win over Bosnia but initially received a one-match suspension that FIFA later suspended on probation for one year under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. FIFA has not publicly explained the rationale behind suspending Balogun’s ban.

Former FIFA referee Jonas Eriksson, who officiated for 16 years, criticized the inconsistency, stating that if Balogun received a one-match suspension, Quansah should have been given the same, as their fouls were similar in intensity and aggression. Eriksson also highlighted the lack of transparency from FIFA regarding whether these decisions were due to incorrect referee calls or misapplication of the laws of the game.

FIFA has been accused of failing its duty to the game by delaying Balogun’s ban and allowing external interference. Both players committed serious foul play challenges warranting red cards, but the differing sanctions have raised questions about consistency and fairness in disciplinary actions.

Sources