FA Weighs Appeal Over Quansah Red Card After Balogun Controversy

The Football Association is considering whether to challenge Jarell Quansah's red card from England's World Cup win over Mexico, a decision made more complicated by the recent controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's overturned ban. Quansah, on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, was sent off in the 54th minute of Sunday's 3-2 victory after catching Mexico's Jesus Gallardo with a high challenge. The offense was classified as serious foul play, which carries an automatic two-match suspension. Under normal World Cup rules, red cards cannot be appealed. But Fifa's use of article 27 to suspend Balogun's ban – after intervention from US President Donald Trump – has opened a potential loophole. England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has been critical of the Balogun decision, is now weighing whether to ask the FA to push for a similar review. Balogun, who has three goals for the co-hosts, was sent off for a studs-down challenge on Bosnia-Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic in the round of 32. While the red card itself was not rescinded, his one-match suspension was deferred for 12 months, allowing him to play against Belgium. That decision sparked widespread criticism, including from European football's governing body and Belgium. The FA's hand may also be forced by reports that France is challenging a yellow card shown to Michael Olise during their win over Paraguay. sources has contacted the French Football Federation for comment. Quansah's red card adds to England's growing right-back crisis. First-choice Reece James has been sidelined since injuring a hamstring against Ghana, missing matches against Panama, DR Congo, and Mexico. Quansah himself had been battling an injury picked up against Panama but was deemed fit to start against Mexico. Tuchel has used a rotating cast at right-back, including John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Djed Spence, and even midfielder Declan Rice. With Quansah potentially banned, the position is a major concern ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against Norway in Miami.