Webb: Balogun red card overturn 'unhelpful' for referees

A World Cup red card reversal involving a US president and FIFA's chief has referees worried.

What happened. Howard Webb criticized the reversal of Folarin Balogun's red card at the 2026 World Cup, calling it 'unhelpful' for referees.

• Balogun was sent off vs Bosnia & Herzegovina and banned.
• FIFA President Infantino and US President Trump discussed it.
• Ban reversed, allowing Balogun to play vs Belgium.

“Integrity in football is so, so important.”

— Howard Webb

Webb's comments highlight ongoing concerns about external influence in refereeing decisions.

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F. Balogun

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