FIFA's VAR credibility hit by Balogun case, says sports press chief

The FIFA decision to suspend the punishment for American player Folarin Balogun has severely undermined the credibility of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system during the World Cup, according to Gianni Merlo, president of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Merlo highlights the "Balogun case" as a significant blow to the tournament's integrity, despite its overall success with packed stadiums and high viewership. He points out the inconsistency in disciplinary rulings, contrasting Balogun's reprieve with the suspension of Paraguayan player Miguel Almirón, who was sent off for covering his lips while speaking on the field. Merlo questions the fairness of Balogun being allowed to play under a "suspended sentence," where a repeat offense within a year would lead to a missed match, while a similar "inadvertent" foul could result in immediate expulsion.

The article frames the situation as a "tragicomedy" for the sports world, raising concerns about the increasing influence of politics on sports. Merlo asks if the world of sports is surrendering to political interference after a century of effort to maintain its independence. He urges FIFA President Infantino to consider these questions, warning against being mesmerized by the "false glow" of the spotlight.

Balogun, who was relatively unknown before this incident, is now gaining fame due to the controversial decision. The article suggests that this leniency, especially when compared to Almirón's harsher penalty for a less severe infraction, erodes trust in the fairness and impartiality of the game's officiating. The author implies that the VAR intervention, which led to both decisions, has proven to be unreliable and politically influenced.