Key facts
- UEFA stated that FIFA crossed a "red line" by suspending a red card for USA striker Folarin Balogun.
- Donald Trump claimed credit for the suspension, stating FIFA reversed a "great injustice."
- UEFA will not follow FIFA's lead in implementing automatic red cards for players covering their mouths or walking off the pitch in protest.
- The new FIFA regulations are set to take effect on June 1.
- UEFA's decision means the new rules will not apply to the Champions League or other club competitions.
UEFA has stated that FIFA crossed a "red line" by suspending a red card for USA striker Folarin Balogun, a decision attributed to lobbying from Donald Trump. The former US President posted on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for reversing what he called a "great injustice."
However, UEFA will not follow FIFA's lead in implementing automatic red cards for players who cover their mouths when confronting an opponent or leave the pitch in protest. These new regulations, approved by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) at FIFA's prompting, are set to take effect on June 1 and will be applied at the World Cup.
UEFA's decision means these rules will not apply in the men's and women's Champions Leagues or its other club competitions. FIFA's move was reportedly a response to two controversies this year: an accusation of racial abuse against Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Senegal players leaving the pitch in protest during the Africa Cup of Nations final. The Argentinian player Prestianni received a six-game ban, with three suspended, for homophobic conduct. The Confederation of African Football's appeals committee declared Morocco 3-0 winners after Senegal players walked off the pitch, a decision Senegal is appealing.
Ifab did not mandate the rule changes for all competitions. UEFA's executive committee is scheduled to meet, and no regulation changes are expected to be on the agenda. UEFA sources indicated that its referees committee would monitor the effect of the new regulations during the World Cup before discussing potential changes next season. Domestic leagues have discretion, and the Premier League will confirm its plans after its clubs' AGM. Given only FIFA has committed to the rules, widespread adoption is unlikely.