By our reporter 6.7.2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come under fire over the decision by the world football governing body to lift the red card given to US player Folarin Balogun.
FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun was now free to play against Belgium, rather than serve the one match suspension after he was booked in the game against Bosnia Herzegovina in the round of 32.
It was gathered that FIFA was pressured to taking the decision after conversation between Infantino and US President Donald Trump.
” The automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.” FIFA stated citing Article 27, a broad piece of legislation which allows them to “fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
Belgium who are facing the USA Monday night responded with a petition, saying that they were “astonished” by the decision it would exploit options to take.
European football governing body UEFA said the action by FIFA crossed the.
“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted. I
“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake, and the credibility of a competition is undermined.
“Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.”
Norway coach, Stale Solbakken, admonished Infantino’s organization even before Trump’s involvement became clear.
“It is a big mistake by FIFA. It is not a great conclusion. He got a red card and the VAR concluded that it was a red card. That means you are suspended for one game,” he said. “I think what is really bad about that situation is, if the USA beat Belgium, they will always have that extra thing about it. The Belgians will be furious.”
The German FA, in the form of DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, called for an immediate clarification.
“The impression that there has been active political interference in sports must be dispelled swiftly and conclusively. The integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA are at stake,” he said, calling on FIFA to clarify Trump’s involvement.
Balogun getting the marching orders...but FIFA is bending the rules.