After Donald Trump criticism, Keir Starmer intervened with FIFA ahead of England-Mexico

God, how things have changed.

FIFA’s announcement that it postponed the red card penalty of US Men’s National Team striker Folarin Balogun sparked criticism. European football fans, the Belgian national football association, the Union of European Football Associations and many other commentators were furious that Balogun’s unfair red card was essentially postponed.

Their complaints were often incoherent and illogical; UEFA’s statement in particular was ridiculously inaccurate.

EUROPE IS VERY SHOCKED BY BALOGUN’S POSTPONEMENT, BUT FIFA LIFTED THE RED CARD BANNERS OF RONALDO AND OTHERS BEFORE THIS

“Football, like other sports, is based on rules that are the basis of fair, honest and transparent competition,” they said. “Sometimes the rules are open to interpretation. In this case, no. The minimum automatic suspension of a match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to come into effect. It is a principle embedded in the regulations that cannot be subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where many other players are in the same situation and regularly serve their suspensions.”

In particular, UEFA had no complaints about Cristian Ronaldo’s three-match red card suspension being postponed by FIFA ahead of the World Cup. Under the same rule used in Balogun’s case.

But another criticism of the process came from those who said President Donald Trump’s intervention was an unacceptable violation of football norms. Essentially, a politician should not telephone FIFA leadership to question a decision or potentially influence an outcome. England host Piers Morgan was particularly consumed with righteous anger, accusing the USMNT of “cheating” and “not playing by the rules”.

MEDIA FIGURES THAT TRUMP IS INTERESTED IN FIFA ARE MELTING WITH USA’S STAR FOLAY BALOGUN PREPARING TO PLAY

Of course, the USMNT did not cheat and no rules were violated.

President Donald Trump shows a red card during a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. (Evan Vucci / AP)

But the anger of Europeans and their supporters over Trump’s intervention was interestingly overlooked in another statement released on Monday morning: British Prime Minister Kier Starmer had called on FIFA to intervene on behalf of the England National Team ahead of their match against Mexico.

Before the England-Mexico match at the Azteca, there were rumors that the kick-off time might be brought forward by a few hours to avoid the possibility of storms. But according to the British newspaper SunStarmer intervened directly with FIFA to prevent this from happening.

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“The Mexicans were really voicing the storm and pushing to move the game forward,” one source said. Sun. “But Keir was having none of it and suspected they were trying to derail England preparations by giving him less time to adjust to the altitude, so he put his foot down.”

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England’s Jude Bellingham #10 celebrates with teammate Harry Kane #9 after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo: Julian Finney – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) (FIFA via Getty Images)

Well, well! A politician interfering with FIFA to benefit his country’s national team? Unacceptable! Ugly! Unfair! Appeal the entire tournament!

Frankly, Starmer and England had their way and went on to beat El Tri 3-2 in a tough instant classic. Interestingly, Piers Morgan and the very angry European fans have almost nothing to say about a politician “dreading” FIFA. If England go on to win the quarter-finals or the entire tournament, this scandal will tarnish their run and an asterisk will forever be placed over this unacceptable brutality.