'It's indefensible' - England and top football nations told to join Norway complaint after Folarin Balogun twist
More countries should support Norway as they consider filing a formal complaint to FIFA's ethics committee after Folarin Balogun's one-match ban was suspended during the 2026 World Cup.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that politics “clearly” influenced the decision to allow the US international to feature against Belgium.
The 25-year-old was sent off in the USA’s round of 32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it was expected that he would be suspended for their round of 16 tie against Belgium.
However, after an intervention from US President Donald Trump, the ban was suspended for 12 months, allowing him to play in the fixture.
No reason was given for Balogun’s ban being suspended, with the incident being the first time since 1962 that a red card has not resulted in a suspension in the World Cup.
As a result, the NFF are set to make a decision in their next board meeting on whether to make a complaint after being concerned about the incident.
Keith Hackett: Politics clearly entered the World Cup
Upon reading the report of Norway’s potential complaint, the former referee exclusively told Football Insider: “I am pleased and would support Norway’s formal complaint. Politics clearly entered the arena of World Football, and Mr Infantino allowed this to happen on his watch.
“To then learn that only the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee made the decision on his own is frankly against proper processes.
“The delay of a sanction to Balogun is indefensible.
“I do think that other Countries around the World should support Norway."
However, Belgium did receive some justice in the end, with the Lowland nation coming away with a 4-1 victory against the US despite Balogun’s ban being suspended.
Will Gianni Infantino remain the FIFA president?
After all the controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup, countries have a chance to rid themselves of Gianni Infantino next year.
In FIFA’s 77th congress in March 2027, there will be a vote on who should be the next president, with the 56-year-old aiming to secure a fourth term.
So far, Infantino is the only candidate up for the role, and he looks set to win it in a landslide.
Despite many countries being disgruntled at the recent controversies, reports have indicated that over 200 FIFA countries have endorsed Infantino for a fourth term.
While nations such as Germany are yet to provide official backing, it would appear that Infantino is likely to stick around as FIFA president.