Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Norwegian FA to challenge FIFA over Balogun red card reversal
The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) is thinking about making a complaint to FIFA about a decision that was made during the World Cup.
A player from the United States, Folarin Balogun, got a red card in a match against Bosnia.
This meant he couldn't play in the next match against Belgium.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, called FIFA and asked them to look at the decision.
FIFA then decided to suspend the ban for one year.
The NFF thinks this was a mistake and wants FIFA to admit it.
They are also thinking about combining this complaint with another one they made about FIFA giving a prize to Trump, which they say is against FIFA's rules about staying neutral in politics.
Many people, including the president of Spain's LaLiga, have criticized FIFA's decision and think it's a serious problem.
They say it could have been even worse if the U.S. had won their match against Belgium.
Norwegian FA (NFF) considering ethics complaint to FIFA over Balogun's red card ban reversal.
Balogun received a red card in a World Cup match against Bosnia, initially banned for one match.
U.S. President Donald Trump intervened, leading FIFA to suspend the ban for one year.
NFF believes FIFA's decision undermines the integrity of the game and sets a dangerous precedent.
NFF may combine this complaint with a previous one about FIFA's political neutrality.
- Who
- Norwegian Football Association (NFF), FIFA, U.S. President Donald Trump, Folarin Balogun
- What
- NFF considering ethics complaint over FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's red card ban
- When
- Decision made during the World Cup; NFF to decide on complaint on August 6
- Where
- World Cup, FIFA headquarters
- Why
- NFF believes FIFA's decision undermines the integrity of the game and sets a dangerous precedent
FIFA's Decision
Critics' Views
Decision to Suspend Ban
FIFA's Decision
FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's ban was a fair response to external intervention.
Critics' Views
The decision undermines the integrity of the game and sets a dangerous precedent.
Infantino's Role
FIFA's Decision
Infantino acted appropriately in reviewing the decision based on external pressure.
Critics' Views
Infantino's involvement in political matters is inappropriate and undermines FIFA's neutrality.
- Player Involved
- Folarin Balogun
- Team
- United States
- Match
- Round of 32 against Bosnia
- Initial Ban
- One-match ban
- Intervention
- U.S. President Donald Trump
- FIFA's Action
- Suspended the ban for one year
- Norwegian FA's Action
- Considering ethics complaint to FIFA
- Criticism
- Widespread criticism from football community