The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is weighing up a formal complaint to FIFA’s ethics committee after Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-game suspension at the World Cup was lifted, a move the federation says has caused “strong concern.”
Key takeaways
- The NFF is considering lodging an official complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee over the suspension decision affecting Folarin Balogun.
- Balogun, a forward for the United States, received a straight red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- He was initially expected to miss the US last-16 match against Belgium, but the ban was later suspended for 12 months.
- The NFF president, Lise Klaveness, said the matter prompted “strong concern” and will be discussed at the federation’s next board meeting.
- The federation has previously filed a complaint connected to FIFA’s first Peace Prize being awarded to Donald Trump.
- Reports have suggested the International Olympic Committee (IOC) could also look into FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Suspension overturned after political intervention
Balogun was expected to miss the United States’ last-16 encounter with Belgium after being shown a straight red card during their 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, following an intervention involving US President Donald Trump, the automatic one-match ban was suspended for a period of 12 months.
No explanation was provided for the change, other than a reference to a regulation that permits suspensions of punishments.
Despite the uncertainty, Balogun started against Belgium, where the United States were defeated 4-1.
NFF president says case could be linked to FIFA ethics inquiry
In remarks provided to the BBC, NFF president Lise Klaveness said the federation reacted with “strong concern.” She added that the decision on whether to submit a complaint would be made during the NFF’s next board meeting.
Klaveness also noted that the federation has already taken action by filing a complaint regarding FIFA’s first Peace Prize, which was awarded to President Trump.
“It is appropriate to include the Balogun case in the inquiry to FIFA’s ethics committee that we made before the World Cup regarding FIFA’s so-called peace prize award during the draw in Washington before Christmas last year,” Klaveness said.
IOC ethics involvement and charter reference
The statement came after reports suggested the International Olympic Committee (IOC) might examine FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Infantino has served as an IOC member since 2020.
Section two of the Olympic charter states: “Members of the IOC will not accept from governments, organisations, or other parties, any mandate or instructions liable to interfere with the freedom of their action and vote.”
In reply to a BBC request, the IOC issued a statement saying complaints made to its ethics commission are confidential. It added that it would not publicly confirm whether an external party has submitted a complaint, and that it would only communicate sanctions if the ethics commission decides to impose them.
