Norway Lodges Formal Complaint Over Donald Trump's Role in Folarin Balogun Red Card Reversal
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun and his red card has stirred the 2026 World Cup landscape. Despite USMNT being ousted by Belgium with a 4-1 loss, the aftermath of the suspension reversal remains a hot topic. The president of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, is now pushing for a formal complaint regarding the cancellation of Balogun's ban.
Many nations expressed outrage after it became clear that former US President Donald Trump intervened in Balogun's suspension case. Norway has joined those raising concerns about this interference.
Why Norway Is Taking Action
Klaveness revealed plans to ask the NFF board to file a formal complaint with FIFA over the reversal of Balogun’s World Cup suspension, as reported by ESPN and stated to The Times. She warned against ignoring the issue.
"Trying to sweep this under the rug now won't work," Klaveness said.
She emphasized the risk to football’s integrity when rules are bent, describing it as a slippery slope. According to her, the decision was clearly influenced by outside pressure without following proper procedures.
"If you start to adapt in such a way towards state leaders and state politics, you will move your behaviour and the organisation's behaviour, and also the red line of what states' leaders should interfere with. And that happened."
Klaveness also noted that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had awarded Trump the FIFA Peace Prize just before the tournament started, adding another layer of concern.
Trump’s Direct Involvement
Trump confirmed he contacted Infantino and asked for a review of Balogun’s suspension but insisted he did not dictate the outcome. He described the red card as "horrible" and unfair, especially since it impacted a future match rather than an ongoing one.
"I didn't tell him what to do, I can't tell him what to do," Trump said. "I'm the one that got them to do it."
Infantino acknowledged receiving a call from Trump but denied any undue influence on the decision to lift the ban. He explained that legal processes within FIFA’s independent bodies handle such matters, and these protocols were respected.
The Incident That Sparked It All
Balogun received a red card during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a challenge involving Tarik Muharemovic. Video review upheld the red card, which initially meant Balogun would miss the Round of 16 game against Belgium.
Following Trump’s intervention, the suspension was overturned by FIFA disciplinary committee chair Mohammad Al Kamali acting alone. Balogun was able to play against Belgium, but the USMNT suffered a heavy defeat and exited the tournament.
