The German Football Association president criticized FIFA: The Balogun incident cannot be left unresolved; it must be discussed further.

According to Kicker, although Balogun's clearance to play did not change the fact that the US team was ultimately eliminated, German Football Association President Bernd Neuendorf said that the controversy surrounding FIFA's suspension of his red card ban cannot be simply put aside.

Neuendorf, who also serves as UEFA's representative on the FIFA Council, told the German sports news agency: "We have taken note of FIFA's response. I agree with UEFA that this matter cannot be closed down; it must first be discussed further among the European football associations."

He emphasized that FIFA must, as soon as possible, dispel any doubts about political interference in sports disciplinary decisions in a clear and convincing manner.

Neuendorf said, "This is about the integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA."

Previously, UEFA had unusually and publicly criticized FIFA's handling of the Balogun incident, stating that the relevant actions had crossed a "red line."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino subsequently denied that he or US President Donald Trump had influenced the disciplinary committee's decision. FIFA's 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 World Cup qualifying round.

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

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

Although the Balogun incident did not have a real impact on the tournament's qualification situation, the precedent it set has already sparked subsequent controversies.

England are also considering appealing the decision of Juan Cuaanza, who was sent off with a red card in England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16 and will be suspended for the next match under the current penalty.

Several British media outlets, citing sources within the Football Association, reported that England is considering whether to appeal Kwaanza 's red card and the resulting ban.