Two of English football's most influential figures have criticised FIFA over the decision to allow USA striker Folarin Balogun to play on at the 2026 World Cup despite a red card that should have triggered an automatic ban.

Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, and Howard Webb, England's chief refereeing officer, say the U-turn undermines confidence in football's disciplinary processes. Balogun was sent off during the USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina last-32 match, which under World Cup rules carries an automatic suspension with no appeal mechanism.

However, after US president Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to complain, the decision was overturned, allowing Balogun to face Belgium in the last 16. Webb expressed concern that political pressure influenced the process, stating: "We know that pressure was placed by a politician onto FIFA, because that was admitted."

Masters, who previously called for Infantino to be sacked, described the incident as a "self-inflicted moment" by FIFA. He questioned why the organisation lacks a red card review system similar to domestic leagues, suggesting this would provide a fairer process for addressing potential miscarriages of justice.