Norway to Complain to FIFA Over Trump's Alleged Influence on Red Card Decision

The Norwegian soccer federation is preparing to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA's ethics investigators regarding the controversial overturning of a red card for American player Folarin Balogun. The federation's board will consider filing the complaint at its next meeting, likely on August 6.

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We need our leader in FIFA to say that this was an error.

Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness stated that U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino, leading to the deferral of Balogun's one-game suspension. The red card was issued for a tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and its reversal allowed Balogun to participate in a crucial quarterfinal match against Belgium.

Trump had publicly called the red card a "horrible" decision and claimed credit for FIFA's review. Klaveness criticized the ruling, stating it was influenced by external forces and lacked a proper process. She warned that bending rules in this manner puts the integrity of the game at risk.

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We all know that this verdict was influenced from external forces and did not have the proper process.

Balogun's participation did not prevent the U.S. from losing to Belgium 4-1. The controversy has drawn criticism, with some suggesting the Belgian team was motivated by the unusual circumstances. Norway has previously been critical of Infantino, having joined a complaint alleging breaches of political neutrality.

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When you bend a rule like this, you're on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk.