FIFA has imposed a two-match suspension on England defender Jarell Quansah following his red card during the recent match against Mexico. The decision comes despite representations made by the English Football Association (FA).
Quansah was sent off following a VAR review for a sliding tackle that, while initially unpunished on the field, was deemed a red card offense. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee issued the ban for a breach of Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This suspension means Quansah will miss England's quarter-final match against Norway and a potential semi-final, should the team advance. He will only be eligible to play again if England reaches the tournament final.
The FA reportedly made observations to FIFA regarding Quansah's dismissal, similar to those made by U.S. officials concerning Folarin Balogun's earlier one-match suspension. Balogun's ban was controversially suspended for a year after a direct call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino from U.S. President Donald Trump, allowing him to play against Belgium.
President Trump acknowledged speaking with Infantino, stating he requested a review of Balogun's red card, which he believed was unwarranted. "That wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction," Trump said of the incident involving Balogun. "He (Balogun) didn't do anything wrong, and he's our best player, or one of our best players, a very vital player and they gave him a red card."
Infantino confirmed regular discussions with heads of state regarding FIFA World Cup matters and stated that during his conversation with Trump, he explained the ongoing legal processes within FIFA's independent judicial bodies. He emphasized respecting these decisions and the autonomy of the bodies making them, regardless of personal agreement.
England coach Thomas Tuchel has expressed frustration with the VAR process, particularly the use of still images and slow-motion replays, contrasting it with real-time reviews used in some leagues. UEFA has previously described the Balogun ban suspension as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
Quansah's red card occurred in the 54th minute of England's 3-2 victory over Mexico. The tackle involved winning the ball but making contact with the opponent's studs. While red cards typically result in a one-match ban, FIFA has the authority to extend suspensions. Quansah's extended ban is the latest disciplinary issue for England, with several players on yellow cards who could also miss crucial matches.
As England prepares for its quarter-final match, Djed Spence is expected to replace Quansah in the lineup. The team has faced challenges at the right-back position due to injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento.