FIFA tarnishes reputation by taking back Balogun’s red card at 2026 World Cup

Lead

FIFA's decision to rescind a red card shown to US forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked criticism from a former FIFA official and an appeal from the Royal Belgian Football Association. Balogun was initially sent off after a video review for appearing to stamp on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic during a Round of 32 match. FIFA later overturned the decision, allowing Balogun to play in the host nation's Round of 16 match against Belgium, which the US lost 4-1.

Coverage Comparison

The reversal has drawn sharply different reactions. Vyacheslav Koloskov, a former vice president of FIFA and honorary member of the organization, told TASS that FIFA had "lost credibility" and accused the body of lacking independence. In contrast, Balogun himself struck a conciliatory tone, saying he accepted both the initial red card and the subsequent decision to allow him to play.

The Royal Belgian Football Association appealed FIFA's decision to overturn the disqualification ahead of the match. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee rejected the appeal, and Balogun took the field at Seattle Stadium.

UEFA also weighed in, issuing a statement saying FIFA had crossed a "red line" with its decision. The full text of UEFA's statement was not provided, but the quote suggests significant discontent within European football's governing body.

Reuters, cited by TASS, reported that US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case, a claim that has not been independently confirmed beyond that report.

Key Claims

• Red card rescinded: FIFA rescinded the red card shown to Folarin Balogun during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
• Appeal by Belgian FA: The Royal Belgian Football Association appealed FIFA's decision to overturn Balogun's red-card disqualification, but FIFA's Disciplinary Committee rejected the appeal.
• Balogun's reaction: Balogun said the situation was challenging but did not diminish his performance. He stated he accepted both the red card and the decision to rescind it, and he congratulated Belgium after the match.
• US-Belgium result: The US lost to Belgium 4-1 at Seattle Stadium.
• Alleged Trump involvement: Reuters reported, citing sources, that President Trump urged FIFA President Infantino to review the case.

Perspectives

Vyacheslav Koloskov (Former FIFA Vice President): Koloskov strongly criticized FIFA's decision, stating that FIFA has not been independent or autonomous for a long time. He suggested that Infantino's relationship with Trump influenced the decision, saying, "It's as if [FIFA President Gianni] Infantino never left Donald Trump's office... It's a bunch of baloney." He added that FIFA's reputation has been tarnished and that football has become a commercial tool.

Folarin Balogun (US Forward): Balogun expressed a measured acceptance of the events, saying he accepted the red card and the subsequent reversal. He emphasized the need to handle the situation correctly and expressed pride in his World Cup performance, noting encouragement from his coach, Rudi Garcia.

UEFA (Union of European Football Federations): UEFA issued a statement indicating that FIFA had crossed a "red line" with its decision, signaling strong disapproval from European football's governing body.