Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticizes FIFA after Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card ban is overturned. Balogun, a U.S. striker, was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was initially set to serve a one-match suspension. Several outlets report that FIFA later rescinds the ban and makes him eligible to play against Belgium, following an intervention that is described as political in nature. Blatter argues that football should not become “a playground for political power,” and he questions FIFA’s independence in disciplinary decisions. He warns that red-card rulings should not be overturned through outside pressure or direct influence. Other coverage also notes that Belgium’s reaction and broader concerns about disciplinary integrity have followed the change, highlighting controversy around how and why the disciplinary outcome is modified after the initial sanction.
Sepp Blatter criticizes FIFA’s overturning of Folarin Balogun’s red card
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticizes FIFA after Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card ban is overturned. Balogun, a U.S. striker, was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was initially...
- Folarin Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup.
- He was initially set to serve a one-match ban.
- FIFA later overturns the suspension and makes Balogun eligible to play against Belgium.
- Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticizes the reversal and warns against political influence over sporting decisions.
- Coverage reports controversy over FIFA’s disciplinary integrity following the change.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter criticizes the overturning of Folarin Balogun’s red card, warning against political interference in FIFA red card decisi Read More: https://punchng.com/balogun-red-cards-should-not-be-overturned-by-phone-calls-blatter-tells-fifa/
1 month agoFormer FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, has hit out at the world football governing body’s decision to suspend the red card shown to US striker, Folarin Balogun. Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was set to serve a one-match ban. But on Sunday, FIFA announced that he would be eligible to play against Belgium […] 2026 World Cup: Football not political playground – Blatter blasts decision on Balogun
1 month agoSepp Blatter has hit out at the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban
1 month agoFormer FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has voiced strong criticism after Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban was overturned, suggesting political influence may have swayed the decision. Blatter warned football must remain free from political power, questioning FIFA's independence. The U.S. player's red card was rescinded following a reported intervention, sparking outrage from Belgium and raising concerns about the sport's disciplinary integrity.
1 month ago
Abby Seaman smashes her goal marathon time
Abby Seaman completes a marathon performance that surpasses her stated goal time, with outlets describing the result as...
Rayan Cherki scores twice as Man City beat Crystal Palace 4-1
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 in a Premier League match on Friday, with Rayan Cherki scoring twice. Cherki is...
UK tennis players report marijuana smell drifting from Corona Park at US Open
British tennis players say they are distracted at the 2026 US Open in New York by the smell of marijuana drifting from n...