Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Folarin Balogun is at the centre of a planned Norwegian Football Federation ethics complaint after FIFA cleared the United States forward to face Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite an automatic one-match suspension.
Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness plans to seek board approval on August 6. Her concern centres on the disciplinary process and Donald Trump’s confirmed call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the ruling.
The dispute followed a tournament that also saw Rodri join football’s rarest winners club after World Cup glory.
Why Norway Is Complaining
Folarin Balogun received a straight red card for catching Tarik Muharemovic with his studs during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA later allowed Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium, prompting the Norwegian Football Federation to publish an official statement questioning the ruling.
“When you bend a rule like this, you're on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk. It is a worry for the game when you compromise fundamental rules of the game,” Lise Klaveness said.
Trump Call Fuels Debate
Donald Trump confirmed that he asked Gianni Infantino to review the suspension but denied directing the FIFA president.
“I didn't tell him what to do, I can't tell him what to do,” Donald Trump said.
Gianni Infantino acknowledged the conversation but maintained that FIFA’s independent judicial bodies controlled the case. FIFA disciplinary committee chair Mohammad Al Kamali reportedly made the decision.
Folarin Balogun returned against Belgium, but the United States lost 4-1 and exited the tournament.