Former FIFA president slams decision to suspend Balogun’s ban

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter is weighing in on FIFA’s decision to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension, clearing him for Monday’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium. 

In an X post, Blatter questioned FIFA’s independence, stating that (quote) “red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. ” (end quote).

Blatter joins a growing number of critics of FIFA’s decision to revoke a one-match ban triggered by Balogu’s red card in a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina following calls between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 

Belgium’s football federation said it was “astonished,” calling the decision a break from precedent, and is exploring options to protect “fair play.” Coach Rudi Garcia said his players would be “defending football” itself, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois called the timing surprising. England’s Thomas Tuchel questioned how far such reversals could go, Wayne Rooney called it “an absolute disgrace,” and Thierry Henry said the delay likely disrupted Belgium’s preparations. FIFA has not responded to the criticism.

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