Norway’s Football Federation has announced plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA over the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban, describing the decision as a threat to the integrity of the game.
The federation’s president, Lise Klaveness, said the issue would be presented to the NFF board at its August 6 meeting, with the aim of including the Balogun case in an existing ethics complaint against FIFA.
According to Klaveness, the complaint will be submitted to FIFA’s Ethics Committee, arguing that the handling of the incident undermines confidence in the sport’s governing rules.
The controversy stems from Balogun’s red card during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which automatically earned him a one-match suspension for the subsequent clash against Belgium.
However, FIFA later suspended the ban, allowing the forward to be eligible for the match. The decision drew widespread criticism after reports emerged that United States President Donald Trump had personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the matter.
Klaveness warned that altering established disciplinary rules could set a dangerous precedent for world football.
She said bending the rules in such a manner places the credibility of the game at risk and compromises the principles that ensure fairness and consistency in football governance.
The Norwegian Football Federation is expected to decide formally on the complaint after its board meeting next month.
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