Former FIFA president Joseph “Sepp” Blatter publicly questioned the football governing body after the controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension from the World Cup, warning that the sport should not become politicized.Blatter shared his thoughts on X after FIFA overturned Balogun’s one-game ban before the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium. Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card.The former FIFA executive, who served as president of the organization from 1998 to 2015, said the case raised serious concerns about the independence of football’s disciplinary system.
Joseph Blatter quickly
“Red cards are not swayed by political calls. They are defeated by laws, evidence and independent organizations. If the President of the US intervenes with the President of FIFA – and a player is suddenly removed before the World Cup – the question cannot be avoided: Quo vadis, FIFA?Football should not be a political arena.”Balogun was shown a red card in the United States’ 2–0 Round of 32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina for holding Tarik Muharemović in the hole. The dismissal, which followed a VAR review by Brazilian midfielder Raphael Claus, led to a one-match suspension.However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension had been lifted under Article 27 of its disciplinary rules. Instead of serving an immediate ban, Balogun’s suspension was placed on probation for one year. If he commits a similar offense during that time, the suspension will be activated in addition to any other punishment.The decision drew widespread attention after Trump praised FIFA for reforming what he called a “gross injustice.”Belgium was outraged by the decision, with the Royal Belgian Football Association saying it was “surprised” and confirming it was exploring all available options to protect the integrity of the competition.Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia also criticized the decision, saying it was unprecedented in World Cup history and questioning the message it sent about the competition’s discipline.Meanwhile, US head coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s decision, maintaining that Balogun’s dismissal was unfair and saying his team had already been penalized by playing with 10 men for the remainder of the Bosnia and Herzegovina match.The controversy has been one of the biggest debates at the tournament, with Blatter’s remarks adding to the spotlight on FIFA’s handling of one of the most controversial decisions in recent World Cup history.
