UEFA Chief Ceferin Boycotts World Cup Final Over Trump-Balogun Row, July 21

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin did not attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey, marking a rare public protest by European football’s leader against FIFA. The Slovenian cited FIFA’s decision to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension after US President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino requesting a review. UEFA called the move “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and said FIFA had “crossed a red line” by allowing political interference in the sport.

Trump’s call and the Balogun suspension

Folarin Balogun received a red card on July 2 during the USA’s round-of-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA’s disciplinary committee, chaired by Mohammad al-Kamali, suspended the one-match ban after Trump phoned Infantino requesting a review. UEFA reacted strongly to the decision, stating that the perception of political interference undermined the game’s integrity. Belgium’s football association posted “overturn this” after beating the USA 4-1 in the next round.

Deeper tensions between FIFA and UEFA

The Balogun affair was one of several grievances. Ceferin opposed FIFA’s 27-minute 22-second half-time break at the final, which featured performances by Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber. UEFA also criticised FIFA’s failure to prevent US authorities from sending home Somali referee Omar Artan before the tournament started. Ceferin subsequently appointed Artan to officiate UEFA’s Super Cup final on 12 August between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa.

Ticket prices and tournament expansion

Ceferin has been vocal about FIFA’s high ticket prices, saying they risk excluding dedicated fans. UEFA will freeze ticket prices for Euro 2028, allowing supporters to buy five tickets for the cost of a single parking space at a World Cup stadium. Ceferin also opposes FIFA’s apparent openness to expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, up from the current 48.

Iran’s treatment and rule changes

UEFA expressed concern over Iran’s treatment during the tournament, with the team subject to strict entry and exit conditions compared to other nations. Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team were the “most oppressed” at the World Cup. UEFA also rejected FIFA’s hydration breaks and new rules like red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations, which will not appear in the Champions League or European Championship.

Final Thoughts

Ceferin’s absence from the final, despite being FIFA’s Vice-President, underscores a fundamental rift over governance and political influence in football. The boycott signals UEFA’s willingness to publicly challenge FIFA’s authority, setting the stage for continued conflict over tournament rules and administration.

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