Norway’s Football Association says it is considering and plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA’s ethics structures after FIFA overturns an automatic suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Balogun received a red card in the United States’ Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which normally triggers a one-match ban for the Round of 16 against Belgium. Multiple reports say FIFA later lifted that suspension after a request connected to U.S. President Donald Trump, who was reported to have contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino, leading to Balogun being available for selection.
Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness says the matter should be examined from an ethics standpoint and has said she will seek approval from the federation’s board to lodge the complaint. Several outlets report that Norway is also calling for FIFA to acknowledge any error, arguing that bending disciplinary rules due to political pressure would set a damaging precedent.
The articles also note that, despite Balogun’s return, the United States is eliminated after losing the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
