Sepp Blatter and Wayne Rooney have criticized FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension.
FIFA's decision to overturn the suspension of US footballer Folarin Balogun has raised many eyebrows around the world. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also expressed his disappointment with current president Gianni Infantino. According to US media, President Donald Trump phoned Infantino to ask that Balogun could play against Belgium. Blatter defined this situation as unacceptable: "Football must never become a battlefield for political power." FIFA has not released any statements on the matter, writes Sky Sports. Balogun scored the opening goal in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday night, but did not complete the match. Indeed, after 64 minutes he received a straight red card, meaning he would have missed the round of 16 match against Belgium. Or at least that's how it seemed. It was news on Sunday evening that FIFA annulled the red card received by Balogun and handed him a conditional ban. A decision that greatly pleased Trump, who has a good relationship with Infantino. Trump thanked FIFA on social media for restoring what he considers a denied right. But according to several US media, it was a direct intervention by Trump towards Infantino. This reconstruction was also confirmed by The Athletic, according to which Trump telephoned Infantino last week to ask that Balogun's disqualification be overturned. FIFA, however, did not provide any reasons for its decision. Blatter reacted with shock to the news on X (formerly Twitter). "Red cards are not overturned for political calls. They are overturned based on regulations, evidence and independent bodies. If a US president intervenes with the president of FIFA and a player is suddenly cleared of a World Cup suspension, the question inevitably arises: Where are we going, FIFA? Football must never become a battleground for political power." Sky Sports talks about preferential treatment given to a World Cup host country. Belgium were initially unable to appeal FIFA's decision, but according to The Athletic they can do so now. The Belgian Football Federation (KBVB) has informed FIFA that it intends to appeal. A member of FIFA's appeals commission, who does not represent any European or North American federation, will hear the case. Infantino was the subject of much criticism, including from coaches, for this decision. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia called it "an April joke", while Norway coach Stale Solbakken also expressed his disappointment. To these was added Wayne Rooney, who said: "Infantino should be ashamed, because I believe that the sporting spirit is being seriously damaged here. If I were an opponent of the United States, I would be furious."
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