Donald Trump is facing scrutiny after Norway questioned his involvement in a World Cup disciplinary decision. The Norwegian Football Federation is preparing to file an official complaint over FIFA’s handling of the case.
The controversy centres on Folarin Balogun and his overturned red-card suspension. Norway’s federation president said the decision could threaten football’s fundamental rules.
Norway says Trump’s role in the Folarin Balogun World Cup saga crossed a line
As per reports from ABC, Norway’s soccer federation is preparing to file the complaint. The federation’s president has scheduled a meeting for August 6 to discuss the matter. Lise Klaveness said the incident raised serious concerns about outside influence. She also called for FIFA leadership to acknowledge that the decision was an error.
Balogun initially received a red card following a tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision triggered an automatic one-match suspension ahead of the United States’ meeting with Belgium. However, Balogun played in the crucial match after the suspension was overturned.
Trump had publicly criticised the referee’s decision before contacting FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The US president called Balogun’s red card a “horrible” decision and questioned the suspension. Trump later said he had spoken with Infantino about the matter. He also claimed credit after FIFA reviewed and overturned the disciplinary decision. Balogun was subsequently cleared to play in the United States’ next match.
Klaveness argued that external pressure seemingly triggered the process. She said the decision lacked the proper process expected from football’s governing body. “When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope,” she warned. She added that such actions could ultimately put the sport at risk.
The complaint could create further scrutiny for Infantino and FIFA’s decision-making process. Norway has previously joined another ethics complaint involving allegations against the FIFA president. That complaint questioned Infantino’s alleged political neutrality and relationship with Trump.
FIFA and other sports organisations typically avoid commenting on ethics cases. The organisation has also not publicly released detailed documents explaining the disciplinary ruling. Meanwhile, Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 following the reversal of Balogun’s suspension.
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