The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is preparing to file a formal complaint with FIFA regarding alleged interference by former U.S. President Donald Trump in the red card suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Balogun received a red card during a last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would have made him ineligible for the subsequent last-16 game against Belgium.
However, Balogun's suspension was reportedly suspended by FIFA following a phone call between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump, described as a close confidante of Infantino, is reported to have urged the FIFA president to allow the player to participate in the match. Despite this intervention, the U.S. team lost to Belgium 4-1. Trump has since publicly referenced the incident, claiming that things "worked out much better" and that Infantino made a "great decision."
NFF President Lise Klaveness stated that the Norwegian FA plans to complain to FIFA's ethics committee, marking the first national federation to formally address the issue. Klaveness expressed concerns that bending rules in this manner creates a "slippery slope" that could endanger the integrity of the game. She emphasized the need for honest communication, suggesting that the verdict was influenced by "external forces" and did not follow a proper process.
"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 said in an interview with The Times. She also noted that the NFF had previously objected to Infantino awarding Trump a FIFA Peace Prize.
Infantino has defended the decision, asserting that it was an independent ruling made by FIFA's disciplinary committee. He stated that the committee operates autonomously, applies the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and bases decisions on applicable regulations and facts, stressing the importance of their independence for football's credibility.
Reports indicate that the decision to suspend Balogun's red card was ultimately made by Mohammad al-Kamali, the chairman of the disciplinary committee, without consulting other members of the committee. Klaveness acknowledged that FIFA may have felt pressure but argued that the lack of wider consultation constituted a "mistake" and a "controversial decision." She also expressed disappointment and a lack of surprise regarding FIFA's transparency on the matter.
"To try to sweep this under the carpet now will not fly. Too many felt this… coaches, players, fans… that this was too close to the game," Klaveness added, describing the case as "so serious" and "so worrying." She indicated that the matter would be discussed with the NFF board, and if supported, an official complaint would proceed.