Education minister Olivia Bailey has hinted that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could intervene in Jarell Quansah's match suspension, following reports that Donald Trump helped overturn a US striker's ban. The England defender faces missing the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday after receiving a straight red card for a sliding tackle on Mexico's Jesus Gallardo during the second half at the Estadio Azteca.
Trump's Intervention Sets Precedent
President Trump is said to have lobbied FIFA to lift US striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban for a red card received in the team's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Asked if Sir Keir could make a similar intervention, Bailey told Sky News: "What I'm supposed to say is politicians shouldn't interfere in sports. But knowing the Prime Minister he's probably already texting him. Whatever we need to do, it's coming home."
Quansah's Red Card Controversy
Referee Alireza Faghani initially let play continue after Quansah's foul, which left Gallardo injured. However, following a VAR review, the England right-back was sent off for violent conduct and is now set to receive a one-match ban. Over the weekend, FIFA's disciplinary committee announced that Balogun would be available for the co-hosts' match against Belgium on Monday night, citing its disciplinary code that allows suspension of red cards if the discipline was not related to match-fixing. Balogun will be on a probationary period of one year. Trump praised the decision on social media, saying FIFA had "reversed a great injustice."
Tuchel Weighs In
England manager Thomas Tuchel has jokingly suggested that Harry Kane should ask Trump to overturn Quansah's red card. The defender's suspension for the quarter-final leaves Tuchel with a decision at right-back, amid fitness concerns over Reece James. Asked if Quansah's sending-off would be appealed, Tuchel told reporters: "To be clear it was not a red card. VAR got involved. The decision is made. Who overturns this decision and when and on what grounds? It's strange for me. We want consistency. I think it is not a yellow card, [that] Declan Rice [got in the first minute]. Does France get the yellow card back for [Michael] Olise which was not a yellow card [against Paraguay]? Where does this start and where does this end? Do we appeal?" Asked if Kane should intervene and ask Trump for help, Tuchel replied with a smile: "Maybe!"
