The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed plans to submit a formal complaint to FIFA's ethics committee over what it considers Donald Trump's improper influence in the suspension of Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card. The United States forward was initially set to miss the last-16 clash against Belgium after being sent off in a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Trump's phone call to Infantino
It emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump personally spoke to FIFA President Gianni Infantino by phone, encouraging the governing body to 'review' the decision. FIFA subsequently announced that Balogun's ban would be suspended for 12 months, despite no formal appeal or precedent for such a move. The governing body offered no explanation beyond citing a rule allowing suspended punishments.
NFF president condemns decision
NFF president Lise Klaveness described the reversal as an 'error' and confirmed the federation will raise the issue formally. 'When you bend a rule like this, you're on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk. It is a worry for the game when you compromise fundamental rules of the game,' Klaveness told The Times. 'We all know that this verdict was influenced from external forces and did not have the proper process. We need our leader in FIFA to say that this was an error.'
Ethical concerns raised
Klaveness stressed the need for transparency. 'When you make controversial decisions, and when there has been an external, very powerful voice in your ear, it's very important that you have more voices [making the decision]. And if you don't, it's a mistake.' She added, 'This case was so serious and so worrying that I hope that it might contribute to bring people out a little bit and don't fear to bring up cases. I will bring it to a board meeting and discuss with my board, and then we do it. To me, it should be in the same sphere of ethical complaint.'
Infantino denies influence
FIFA President Gianni Infantino denied that Trump had any influence, stating: 'FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.'
Trump praises decision
Trump played down his role but praised FIFA's 'brilliant' decision. 'All I did, I asked for a review, because I didn't think it was a foul,' Trump said in a press conference. 'And again, I'm good at this stuff. I think they made a brilliant decision. I think the referee's call was horrible.'
Norway's federation has already filed a complaint about FIFA's decision to award its first Peace Prize to Trump before the tournament. The NFF's latest move signals growing concern over external political interference in football governance.
