Norway coach Stale Solbakken has strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to overturn United States striker Folarin Balogun, calling it a serious error of judgement that will overshadow the co-hosts’ World Cup campaign.
Speaking after Norway’s 2-1 last-16 win over Brazil, Solbakken said the ruling would cast a shadow over any success the United States enjoys for the remainder of the tournament.
Balogun had been set to serve a one match ban after a straight red card for stepping on the foot of Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the round of 32. FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the ban for a year following a personal appeal from US President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, clearing Balogun to face Belgium in Seattle.
How will you overrule a Red card for a foul like this by Folarin Balogun
Donald Trump at it again 😒 pic.twitter.com/nKeOuvE5wF
— Ephraimatic (@__Ephraimatic) July 5, 2026
Solbakken said the VAR review had already confirmed the red card was correct, meaning the suspension should have automatically applied under FIFA’s own rules. He argued the decision sets a troubling precedent, questioning what happens the next time a player receives a similar card and whether a committee would again step in to overturn it.
The Norway coach repeated his criticism of the ruling several times, describing it as bad for the sport and warning that any future US success would now be viewed through the lens of the controversy. He added that he felt sympathy for the United States, since a win over Belgium would always carry an asterisk because of how the situation was handled.
0 – Since the introduction of yellow and red cards at the 1970 edition, no player has ever received a red card and gone on to play in his team’s next match at the FIFA World Cup.
Unprecedented. pic.twitter.com/mqPXgUBju3
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) July 5, 2026
Solbakken’s comments echoed a similar reaction from Belgium’s own football association. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare Balogun eligible, confirming in a statement that it was investigating all potential options in response.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia had earlier suggested the ruling made a mockery of the tournament, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the timing, just a day before the match, had left his side little chance to prepare mentally for the reversal.
🚨⚠️ OFFICIAL: Belgian Federation statement on Folarin Balogun red card case, saying they are “astonished”.
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the… pic.twitter.com/7Is0KOAyxP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2026
FIFA said the ban was suspended under article 27 of its disciplinary code, meaning Balogun would only serve it if he commits a similar offence within the next year. The governing body has pointed to a precedent involving Cristiano Ronaldo, who had part of a three match ban suspended during World Cup qualifying last year.
– AFP
Photo: REUTERS/Phil Noble
