World Cup: Norwegian Federation to submit complaint to FIFA over Donald Trump

The Norwegian Football Federation, NFF, has announced its intention to file a formal complaint with FIFA regarding Donald Trump’s involvement in the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card.

The United States forward was expected to miss his country’s last-16 match against Belgium after receiving a red card during their 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.

However, it was revealed in the subsequent days that the President of the United States had personally contacted Infantino and urged the governing body to ‘reconsider’ the ruling.

FIFA later confirmed that Balogun’s suspension would be lifted for 12 months, despite the absence of a formal appeal or any precedent for such a decision.

The governing body did not provide any justification for this ruling, other than referencing a regulation that permits the suspension of penalties.

NFF president, Lise Klaveness contends that the decision to rescind the suspension was a ‘mistake’ and has stated their intention to formally address the matter with FIFA’s ethics committee.

“When you alter a rule in this manner, you are on a precarious path that jeopardizes the integrity of the entire sport. It is concerning for the game when fundamental regulations are compromised,’ Klaveness remarked to The Times.

“It is evident that this ruling was swayed by external influences and did not follow the appropriate procedures. We require our leadership at FIFA to acknowledge that this was an error.

“In situations where contentious decisions are made, particularly when there is a powerful external voice involved, it is crucial to have multiple perspectives contributing to the decision-making process. Failing to do so constitutes a mistake.

“This situation is of such gravity and concern that I hope it encourages individuals to speak out without fear regarding similar issues. I will present this matter at a board meeting for discussion, and we will take action. To me, it should be treated as an ethical complaint,” he said.

Norway’s federation has previously lodged a complaint regarding FIFA’s decision to bestow its inaugural Peace Prize upon President Trump prior to the tournament.

World Cup: Norwegian Federation to submit complaint to FIFA over Donald Trump