Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute of England's 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. Now the Football Association is weighing whether to appeal the red card, which could mean a two-game ban for the Bayer Leverkusen defender.
The FA is considering its options after a precedent was set by United States star striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun had a red card overturned following intervention from US President Donald Trump, who asked Fifa to review the striker's one-match suspension. Fifa then made the shock decision to suspend the automatic ban for 12 months, using article 27 of their rules — a clause that had never been used before at the World Cup and effectively allows Fifa to make whatever decision it wants.
“FA considers appeal after Quansah red card; minister hints Starmer texts US officials over ban.”
The move sparked widespread criticism, including from European football's governing body, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel. The World Cup does not allow appeals for red cards, but Fifa officials invoked the clause. The Athletic reported that France are challenging Michael Olise's yellow card, while BBC Sport has approached the French Football Federation for comment.
Quansah's red card was for serious foul play — a sliding, accidental studs-up challenge. Balogun's was different: a studs-down-the-back-of-the-ankle challenge that was also accidental but would normally result in a sending off. The US authorities claimed Balogun's red card was unfair because there was no intent, but intent has been removed from football's laws and only the result of the challenge is meant to be considered.
Now a minister has hinted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is already texting US officials about Quansah's ban for England's quarter-final against Norway. The right-back position has been an area of concern for Tuchel, with Reece James, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Quansah and midfielder Declan Rice all featuring as right-sided defenders during the World Cup. James, the first-choice right-back, has been unavailable since injuring a hamstring in the second group match against Ghana.
Quansah sustained an injury against Panama but was fit enough to start against Mexico. England face Norway in the quarter-finals. Whether Starmer's intervention — following Trump's — could sway Fifa remains to be seen.