Alexander Ceferin, president of UEFA, boycotted the 2026 FIFA World… (чеферин · фифа · финал)
Alexander Ceferin, president of UEFA, boycotted the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New York due to controversy over FIFA's decision to overturn the red card suspension of American footballer Folashade Balogun. The incident sparked tensions between UEFA and FIFA.
Consensus
- Alexander Ceferin, president of UEFA, did not attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New York.
- The reason for his absence was a controversy surrounding FIFA's decision to overturn the red card suspension of American footballer Folashade Balogun.
- Balogun had received a red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16.
- FIFA's disciplinary committee fined Balogun $40,000 related to the incident.
- The decision to overturn the suspension was influenced by appeals from U.S. officials, including Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani.
- President Donald Trump confirmed he discussed the case with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Points of divergence
- Ceferin was required to attend by protocol as vice-president of FIFA, but chose to ignore the event despite this obligation. — vm
- Balogun participated in the round of 8 match against Belgium after his suspension was overturned. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- UEFA President Cheferin Skipped World Cup Final Over Balogun Scandal — Вечерняя Москва
- UEFA President Boycotted the 2026 World Cup Final Over a Controversial FIFA Decision — Вести