Sports

Football.. Norwegian Federation to File Complaint Over Cancellation of American Player's Suspension

The Norwegian Football Federation announced on Thursday that it intends to file a complaint with the ethics committee of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), following allegations of intervention by US President Donald Trump to cancel the suspension imposed on American striker Folarin Balogun during the world championship.

The incident had previously sparked a wave of controversy over the integrity of refereeing decisions under political pressure.

Ahmed Hassan

23 July 2026 • Update: 23 July 2026

ISTANBUL

Istanbul / Ahmed Hassan / AA

- FIFA previously canceled the suspension of American striker Balogun to allow him to play in the next match

- Federation President Liz Claveness warns against covering up the incident, calling on FIFA to admit the mistake

The Norwegian Football Federation announced on Thursday its intention to file a complaint with the ethics committee of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regarding the intervention of US President Donald Trump to cancel the suspension of his country's striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup.

In an interview with The Times, Norwegian Football Federation President Liz Claveness expressed her warning against covering up what she described as "the scandal", affirming the Federation's intention to file a complaint with FIFA over the controversial issue.

The World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, witnessed great tension when FIFA suspended the decision to ban striker Balogun during the tournament finals after he was sent off with a red card in his match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trump later confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the suspension decision, allowing the player to participate in the next match against Belgium, in a clear violation of the regulations.

After the penalty was canceled, Balogun played in the US national team's match against Belgium, which ended in a 4-1 victory for Belgium.

Claveness said: "When a rule like this is manipulated, you slide down a slope that endangers the entire game; it is worrying for football when the basic rules of the game are compromised."

She added: "First and foremost, this should not have happened. It is now necessary to have an open dialogue about this matter."

She continued: "We all know that this decision was influenced by external forces and did not follow proper legal procedures. We need FIFA to admit that this was a mistake."

She added: "If you start adapting in this way to heads of state and state policies, you change your behavior and the organization's behavior."

She went on: "This case was serious and worrying to the extent that I hope it encourages people to come forward and report problems without fear. I intend to raise this issue at the board meeting and discuss it with its members, and then we will take the necessary action."

She continued: "Attempting to cover up the matter now will not work. Many people—coaches, players, and fans alike—have felt that this matter has crossed the boundaries of the game itself."

This case tests FIFA's independence in the face of external interference. If FIFA accepts the complaint, it may open a broad investigation, putting President Trump under scrutiny. The incident may lead to a review of protocols for handling appeals during major tournaments. The complaint comes at a time when FIFA is seeking to show its commitment to integrity after previous scandals.