Uefa vice-president Laura McAllister voiced serious concerns about political interference in football following the controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's red card at the World Cup. Balogun, representing the USA, was initially set to miss the knockout match against Belgium after a prior dismissal. However, his one-game ban was suspended by FIFA after what McAllister described as an "intervention by US President Donald Trump."

Trump stated he personally requested a review of the foul, believing it was not a legitimate infraction. Mc Allister, a former Wales international and Uefa vice-president since 2023, warned this precedent could create an "absolute cesspit" for future football governance. She fears that political leaders could now leverage this decision to influence player punishments, undermining the integrity of on-pitch rulings.

Uefa itself expressed "disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision." Mc Allister emphasized the danger of creating an environment where disciplinary actions can be undermined, stressing that clear rules are established at the outset of competitions for all participants.