The Norwegian men's soccer team coach, Ståle Solbakken, described FIFA's reversal of the one-game suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun as a "big mistake" and a negative development for the sport. Solbakken expressed his view after Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil in the FIFA World Cup's round of 16, stating, "I think it’s not a great conclusion."

Balogun had received a red card following an instant replay review during the U.S. team's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. This red card triggered an automatic one-game suspension under FIFA policy. However, after the match, President Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the suspension, a move Trump confirmed on Monday morning in the Oval Office.

FIFA's disciplinary committee subsequently decided to delay Balogun's suspension "for a probationary period of one year," allowing the 25-year-old to play in the U.S. squad's round of 16 match against Belgium. Trump commented on the incident, saying, "That wasn’t a foul, that wasn’t even an infraction," referring to the play involving Balogun and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemović.

The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision and has appealed the reversal of Balogun’s suspension. The controversy recalls a similar case in November when FIFA deferred the final two games of a three-match suspension for Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo after a red card in a World Cup qualifier.

Solbakken added, "It will be over [the] United States now, because if they beat Belgium, it will always have that extra thing about it," highlighting the heightened stakes in the ongoing tournament.

Sources