The Football Association is considering whether to appeal Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, after a controversial intervention by US President Donald Trump led to Folarin Balogun’s ban being suspended.
Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute of Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup last-16 win, following a high challenge on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo. The challenge was classed as serious foul play, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen defender could face a two-game ban that would rule him out of Friday’s quarter-final against Norway.
“FA considers appealing Quansah red card after Fifa uses rare clause to overturn Balogun ban following Trump request.”
Appeals against red cards are not normally permitted at the World Cup, but the FA is now exploring its options after Fifa used a little-known clause to overturn Balogun’s suspension. The United States striker was sent off for a studs-down-the-back-of-the-ankle challenge on Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic in the last 32 – a decision widely considered harsh but one that would typically result in a sending-off.
Trump asked Fifa to review the one-match ban, and the world governing body responded by invoking article 27 of its rules, which allows it to make whatever decision it wants without meeting any other criteria. The clause, never used before at a World Cup, was used to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban for 12 months – a shock move that sparked widespread criticism from European football’s governing body, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel.
The Balogun case has prompted a host of potential appeals. The Athletic reported that France are challenging Michael Olise’s yellow card during their victory over Paraguay, and the FA now appears likely to follow suit for Quansah.
Quansah’s challenge was accidental but similar to Balogun’s in that it involved a studs-up contact. Intent, however, was removed from football’s laws years ago; only the result of a challenge is meant to be considered. The right-back position has been an area of concern for Tuchel throughout the tournament – Reece James, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Quansah and midfielder Declan Rice have all featured there. James, the first-choice right-back, has been unavailable since injuring a hamstring in England’s second group match against Ghana, missing games against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico. Quansah, meanwhile, sustained an injury against Panama but was fit to start against Mexico.
Quansah’s possible absence leaves Tuchel with a headache ahead of the quarter-final against Norway. Whether the FA will lodge a formal appeal remains to be seen, but with Fifa having already opened the door for clubs and associations to seek clemency, a precedent has been set.