Norway’s football federation (NFF) will file an official complaint to FIFA over Donald Trump’s interference in overturning Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The decision to lift the suspension came just before the United States faced Belgium in a crucial group-stage match.
What exactly happened?
Balogun received a straight red card in Norway’s 15 July 2026 World Cup clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina after a reckless tackle. The card triggered an automatic one-match ban for the next game. Yet the suspension was overturned after Trump publicly criticised the referee’s call and later claimed he had spoken directly to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the matter.
Trump labelled the red card a “horrible” decision and questioned the suspension. Balogun then played in the United States’ next match against Belgium, which ended in a 4-1 defeat for the US side.
Why is Norway reacting now?
NFF president Lise Klaveness argues that outside pressure appears to have driven the reversal. She warns that bending the rules risks undermining football’s core principles. “When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope,” Klaveness told ABC.
She demands that FIFA acknowledge the decision was wrong and insists the episode sets a dangerous precedent. Norway has already joined another ethics complaint against Infantino over alleged political bias and his relationship with Trump.
What happens next?
The NFF will discuss the matter at a board meeting on 6 August 2026. Klaveness stresses the decision creates a troubling precedent for future cases. FIFA has not released detailed documents explaining the disciplinary ruling.
Meanwhile, Norway’s preparations continue ahead of their next fixture. Their last result was a 1-2 loss to England on 11 July 2026, and their recent form over the past five games stands at three wins and two defeats. Their next match is at home against Denmark on 24 September 2026.
