The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is preparing to submit a formal complaint to FIFA’s ethics committee over the governing body’s decision to suspend the World Cup ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun, a move that has sparked widespread controversy.
Balogun, who plays for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), was shown a red card during his side’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, ruling him out of the last-16 clash against Belgium under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations.
However, FIFA later suspended the striker’s one-match ban, allowing him to feature in the knockout fixture. Reports claimed the decision came after United States President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging him to permit Balogun to play.
Reacting to the development, NFF President Lise Klaveness disclosed that Norway intends to challenge the decision through FIFA’s ethics committee, making it the first national football association to formally oppose the handling of the matter.
Speaking to The Times, Klaveness warned that allowing outside political influence to affect football decisions could undermine the integrity of the sport.
She argued that altering disciplinary rulings under external pressure sets a dangerous precedent and risks weakening the rules that govern international football.
Klaveness maintained that the process leading to Balogun’s reinstatement lacked transparency and suggested the outcome was influenced by forces outside FIFA’s established disciplinary procedures.
She also called on FIFA to acknowledge what she described as a mistake, insisting that the organisation should be open about how the decision was reached rather than attempting to move past the controversy.
Responding to the criticism, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision, stating that the governing body’s disciplinary committee acts independently and reaches its verdicts based on FIFA regulations and the specific facts of each case.
According to Infantino, preserving the independence of FIFA’s disciplinary bodies remains essential to maintaining the credibility and integrity of world football.
Despite that explanation, Klaveness said concerns remain over the transparency of the process. She noted that many players, coaches and supporters believe the incident came too close to political interference in football administration.
The NFF president added that the issue is serious enough to be discussed with the federation’s board, and if approved, Norway will formally lodge its complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee, seeking a review of the events surrounding Balogun’s World Cup suspension reversal.
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