Norway to lodge FIFA complaint over Balogun ban suspension

Norway's football leadership is preparing to challenge FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban, a move they argue compromises the integrity of the sport.

“

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

Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), stated her intention to seek board approval for a formal complaint to FIFA's ethics committee. She expressed concern that bending rules, especially when influenced by external forces such as alleged intervention by then-US President Donald Trump, sets a dangerous precedent.

“

It is a worry for the game when you compromise fundamental rules of the game.

"When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk," Klaveness told The Times. She emphasized that the verdict "should not have happened" and that FIFA needs to acknowledge the error. The NFF previously complained about FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarding the Peace Prize to Trump.

“

First of all, it should not have happened. It is very important now to have honest communication around it.

Klaveness, a former international player and head of the NFF since 2022, highlighted the danger of adapting organizational behavior towards state leaders and politics. She also questioned the process, noting reports that the decision to suspend Balogun's ban was made by only one committee chairman without consulting other members. "To try to sweep this under the carpet now will not fly," she asserted.

“

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