Sepp Blatter Criticizes FIFA’s Decision on Folarin Balogun’s Red Card

Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, responded to the organization’s decision to suspend USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s red card ban before the team’s match with Belgium. Blatter, who faced two FIFA bans after a corruption investigation and is barred from partaking in FIFA activities until 2027, was succeeded by Gianni Infantino.

Folarin Balogun had received a red card in the U.S. victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This decision came after a VAR review when Balogun stepped on a defender’s ankle while attempting to control the ball. Following this, a source revealed to Fox News that President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino to request a review of the play. The suspension was later lifted on Sunday.

Blatter expressed his disapproval on X, saying, Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence, and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President—and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match—the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA? He emphasized that football should never become a tool for political influence.

The decision prompted reactions from Belgium, which was permitted to appeal and sought a detailed explanation from FIFA. The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment, while Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia ridiculed the ruling, suggesting it resembled an April Fool’s joke in Europe. Garcia stressed that the Belgian federation prioritizes integrity and ethics in football.

Further criticism came from UEFA, labeling FIFA’s ruling as crossing a red line.

The controversy surrounding Balogun’s red card and the subsequent lifting of his suspension has fueled debates over political influence in sports decision-making.