Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has strongly criticized world football’s governing body after it suspended the one-match ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Writing on X, Blatter questioned the integrity of FIFA’s decision, warning that football must not become subject to political influence.
“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls,” Blatter wrote. “They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies.”
“If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President – and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match – the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?”
“Football must never become a playground for political power.”
Balogun was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute of the United States’ 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after catching defender Tarik Muharemović on the ankle. Under FIFA rules, the offense normally carries an automatic one-match suspension.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension was put on hold for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, allowing the 25-year-old to face Belgium. The ruling is reportedly the first time since 1962 that a player sent off during a FIFA World Cup avoided serving an immediate suspension.
Reports of political involvement
According to multiple media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s suspension. Trump reportedly spoke with Infantino several times after the incident.
Trump later welcomed the decision on Truth Social, writing:
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!”
UEFA and Belgium react
The decision has drawn criticism from across European football.
UEFA described the move as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and warned it undermines confidence in the game’s disciplinary system.
“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,” UEFA said.
The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed surprise and confirmed it lodged an appeal with FIFA’s Appeal Committee. Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia described the ruling as unprecedented in World Cup history.
Blatter renews criticism of FIFA
Blatter, who served as FIFA president from 1998 to 2015 before leaving office amid corruption allegations and a subsequent ban from football, has repeatedly criticized his successor, Gianni Infantino. Earlier this year, he described FIFA as a “dictatorship” in an interview with the German newspaper Bild.
His latest comments are likely to intensify debate over FIFA’s decision-making process. Critics argue the Balogun case raises fresh questions about the independence and consistency of the organization’s disciplinary procedures.
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