By Maxwell Kumoye

European football governing body UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA's decision to suspend the implementation of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup ban, following an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump for the case to be reviewed.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, UEFA described FIFA's action as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable", warning that it had crossed a dangerous line and undermined the integrity of the game.

"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," UEFA said.

"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."

Balogun, who has scored three goals for the United States at the tournament, was shown a red card after a VAR review during his side's Round of 32 victory over Bosnia.

The forward was dismissed for dragging his studs down the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic's leg and onto his foot.

The dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension, which would have ruled Balogun out of Monday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

However, after Trump reportedly asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the incident, FIFA opted to suspend the implementation of the ban for a one-year probationary period without overturning the red card itself, allowing Balogun to remain eligible for the Belgium match.

The decision has sparked widespread controversy and placed FIFA's disciplinary process under intense scrutiny.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was "astonished" by the ruling, while The Athletic reported that the Belgian federation has formally lodged an appeal with FIFA over the matter.