Jürgen Klopp and Norway coach Ståle Solbakken criticize FIFA after the governing body overturns a ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun. Reports indicate FIFA’s decision follows the red card that Balogun received during the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. Balogun was previously expected to miss the United States’ last-16 match against Belgium, but the suspension is reversed.
Klopp, speaking as a TV pundit, reacts to the outcome and also raises allegations that U.S. President Donald Trump sought to influence the decision. He also criticizes FIFA president Gianni Infantino, framing the change as an issue of football governance rather than sports administration. Solbakken joins the criticism of FIFA itself, echoing concerns about the process behind the ruling.
Across reports, the controversy centers on the FIFA u-turn in Balogun’s disciplinary case ahead of the knockout stage, and the criticism directed at both FIFA leadership and the involvement claimed by commentators regarding U.S. political influence.
