UEFA president boycotts World Cup final in response to Folarin Balogun incident | OneFootball

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin decided not to attend the World Cup final in protest against FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban (The Athletic).

Ceferin attended the World Cup opening match in Mexico City, but chose not to return for the final between Spain and Argentina after a series of disputes, including the Balogun controversy.

Balogun received a one-match ban after he was sent off during the United States’ round-of-32 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

However, FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee later suspended the ban, allowing the striker to feature in the last 16 clash against Belgium.

The US ultimately ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 thrashing against Belgium, but the Balogun incident became one of the most controversial topics at the World Cup.

The decision came after US president Donald Trump spoke with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for the punishment to be reviewed.

UEFA reacted strongly, describing the move as ‘unprecedented’ and raising concerns that football decisions appeared to be influenced by political pressure. 

The organisation argued that such actions could damage confidence in the independence of the sport’s disciplinary process. 

Several European football associations also criticised the decision, with Belgium’s football federation publicly expressing its frustration after its team’s victory over the US.

The Balogun case is only one example of the widening gap between FIFA and UEFA. 

Ceferin has openly questioned several FIFA policies, including the use of dynamic ticket pricing for major tournaments. 

UEFA has committed to making a large share of tickets for the 2028 European Championship more affordable, saying the game should remain accessible to loyal supporters.

Further disagreements have emerged over FIFA’s tournament regulations and management. 

UEFA has reportedly been unhappy with FIFA’s handling of visa issues involving Somali referee Omar Artan, as well as concerns surrounding the treatment of Iran’s national team during the competition. 

The European governing body also disagrees with several rule changes introduced at FIFA events.

These include mandatory hydration breaks, longer half-time shows featuring entertainment performances, and disciplinary measures for players who cover their mouths while speaking on the pitch.