UEFA says FIFA crossed a line on Balogun decision

The Union of European Football Associations said FIFA "crossed a red line" by lifting U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension.

Why it matters: UEFA, which represents most of Europe's soccer federations, came out swinging after FIFA reversed course — a move that followed President Trump's call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding answers about why the U.S. star had been sidelined.

What they're saying: "Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not," UEFA said in a statement posted to its website.

• "When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined."
• A one-match ban after a red card isn't a "discretionary option," UEFA said, and that rule can't be lifted mid-tournament while other players serve their suspensions.
• "Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. … We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision."

U.S. Soccer did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

Catch up quick: Balogun was shown a red card against Bosnia on Wednesday after his cleat caught a defender's leg and slid down toward the ankle as he chased a loose ball.

• He was only given the red card after a video review.
• Balogun has either scored or assisted in every game he's played, so losing him would have left the U.S. without its most dangerous attacker against Belgium.
• Trump called Infantino, and FIFA lifted the ban for a one-year probationary period, causing some fans to decry political meddling.

What we're watching: Balogun is expected to suit up Monday night against Belgium at 8pm ET in Seattle.

• Winning would send the U.S. to its first quarterfinal since 2002.
• The winner's next-round matchup will be against one of two heavyweights: Spain or Portugal.
• Here's how to watch.

Go deeper: Trump called FIFA's Infantino over Balogun suspension