La Liga chief slams FIFA's 'complicit silence' over player suspension

La Liga president Javier Tebas has sharply criticized FIFA's disciplinary committee for its handling of a suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. The committee opted to suspend Balogun's one-game ban for 12 months, allowing him to play in a World Cup match despite a red card.

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complicit silence

UEFA condemned the decision as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." However, Tebas noted a lack of widespread criticism from football officials outside of Europe. While South American confederation CONMEBOL issued a statement backing its referee after criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, it did not address FIFA's decision.

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unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable

Tebas described the Balogun case as the "tip of the iceberg," pointing to a pattern of decisions that have undermined FIFA's credibility and football's integrity over years. He accused FIFA of operating as a closed organization where decisions are predetermined and leagues are not consulted.

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tip of the iceberg

"The worst of all is that much of the football world is aware of it, but too many prefer to maintain a complicit silence," Tebas stated on X. He argued that remaining quiet is easier than defending independence, transparency, and good governance. Tebas called for football institutions to be accountable and govern transparently, rather than through unilateral and arbitrary decisions that damage trust among fans, clubs, leagues, and players.

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And the worst of all is that much of the football world is aware of it, but too many prefer to maintain a complicit silence.