A government minister has suggested that Sir Keir Starmer is 'probably texting' FIFA to overturn England star Jarell Quansah's World Cup suspension, drawing comparisons to Donald Trump's intervention for US striker Folarin Balogun.
Quansah sent off in England's win over Mexico
In the early hours of Monday morning, England defeated co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16, in a match filled with thrills and controversy. The Three Lions will take on Norway in the quarter-finals, but will have to do so without defender Quansah, who was shown a straight red card shortly into the second half. The Bayer Leverkusen star was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Jesus Gallardo, with referee Alireza Faghani making the decision after a VAR intervention.
FIFA rules and the Balogun precedent
FIFA rules state that any cards shown at this World Cup cannot be appealed, but that no longer appears to be the case after USA striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play despite being sent off in his last match. Balogun was due to miss the clash with Belgium, but in an extraordinary move, FIFA suspended his one-match ban for a year – reportedly after an intervention by none other than Donald Trump. The US President has a very close friendship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and is said to have made direct contact with football's governing body, asking them to review Balogun's red card.
Minister suggests Starmer could follow Trump's lead
This decision, and Trump's supposed involvement in it, has received fierce and widespread criticism, including from England manager Thomas Tuchel. It has, however, prompted suggestion that Starmer could attempt a similar move to get Quansah's ban overturned, in one great 'final act' before the UK Prime Minister departs Downing Street. Appearing on Sky News, education minister Olivia Bailey was asked this very question and replied: 'What I'm supposed to say is politicians shouldn't interfere in sports. But knowing the Prime Minister he's probably already texting him [Infantino]. Whatever we need to do, it's coming home.'
Criticism and caution
It is not entirely clear how serious Bailey's answer was, though given the uproar surrounding Balogun, Trump and Infantino, it would probably be best if Starmer stayed out of this one. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who resigned in disgrace in 2015, took to Twitter to say: 'Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA? Football must never become a playground for political power.'
