Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken criticizes FIFA’s decision to reverse a red-card suspension given to USA striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun was sent off in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was originally expected to serve a one-game ban, which would have ruled him out of the next fixture. However, FIFA later announces that Balogun is eligible to play against Belgium in the tournament’s last-32 round, replacing the suspension.
Across reports, Solbakken describes FIFA’s move as a major error and says it could create sporting consequences and set a troubling precedent. While some American fans view the change as a reprieve, Solbakken argues that reversing disciplinary decisions in this way undermines the integrity of match rules. The controversy is framed as part of broader uncertainty around how red cards are reviewed and enforced in World Cup competition.
The outlets agree that the ruling involves Balogun’s availability after a red card and that Solbakken’s reaction is strongly negative.
