Norway Seeks FIFA Ethics Complaint Over 1-Game Balogun Ban Reversal After Trump's Call
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 23
Norway Seeks FIFA Ethics Complaint Over 1-Game Balogun Ban Reversal After Trump's Call
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 23
Summary
Lise Klaveness said she will ask the Norwegian federation board to pursue a formal ethics complaint, calling FIFA’s suspension of Folarin Balogun’s one-game red-card ban a serious breach.
Klaveness said the proper process was not followed and that external political pressure influenced the verdict, warning that bending rules for state leaders puts the sport on a slippery slope.
Donald Trump said he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card because he believed it was not a foul, though he denied ordering the outcome.
Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium after the ban was lifted, but the United States still lost 4-1 in the Round of 16 and exited the World Cup.
The Norwegian board is due to discuss the complaint on August 6, extending scrutiny of Infantino’s handling of political influence inside FIFA.