Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has weighed in on one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 World Cup. He says football rules must remain above political influence.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called on football’s governing body to uphold the red card issued to Folarin Balogun, saying disciplinary decisions should be based on the rules of the game and not outside pressure. His comments come after FIFA suspended Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, making the United States striker eligible for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
According to reports, Blatter criticised the decision to suspend the ban, warning that it could damage the credibility of football’s disciplinary system. He said red cards should only be overturned through established procedures backed by evidence and independent judicial bodies, not through political intervention.
The controversy followed confirmation by U.S. President Donald Trump that he contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s suspension. FIFA later announced that while the red card would remain on Balogun’s record, the automatic one-match suspension would be suspended for a one-year probationary period. The decision has also drawn criticism from UEFA and the Belgian Football Association.
Balogun received the red card during the United States’ World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review. The incident has since become one of the tournament’s biggest talking points, with football administrators, coaches and former players questioning the consistency of FIFA’s disciplinary process.
The development means FIFA’s handling of disciplinary cases is likely to face greater scrutiny throughout the remainder of the World Cup. Any further clarification from FIFA or the outcome of Belgium’s challenge could shape how similar cases are handled in future international competitions.
