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Thursday, 23 July 2026
Sports

Norway Considers Formal FIFA Complaint Over Balogun Red Card Decision

The Norwegian Football Federation plans to challenge FIFA's overturned suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun, citing political interference.

Talivio News · Global 1 min read
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A soccer referee displays a red card to players on a field. BOOM 💥 Photography

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is considering or planning to file a formal complaint to FIFA, and specifically to its ethics committee, regarding the red card suspension of USA forward Folarin Balogun. The decision, which FIFA overturned after a request from US President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism from the NFF President who says it compromises the integrity of the disciplinary process.

FIFA revoked the red card that had been issued to Balogun during the World Cup after a direct request from Trump, according to multiple sources. However, one source did not mention Trump's involvement, creating some ambiguity in the reporting.

"This was an error" — NFF President Lise Klaveness

NFF President Lise Klaveness has stated she will pursue a formal ethics complaint over the incident. The head of the Norwegian federation said that political interference in the disciplinary process put football's integrity at risk.

Casper Lindqvist

Sports Correspondent · Talivio News

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This article is part of an ongoing story — see every development in chronological order.

Sources

  1. Al JazeeraNorway to make formal complaint to FIFA over Balogun red card saga (opens in a new window)
  2. BBCNorway consider complaint over Balogun ban decision (opens in a new window)
  3. aa.com.trNorway considering FIFA ethics complaint over Trump’s role in lifting Balogun’s red card ban (opens in a new window)
  4. foxnews.comNorway soccer chief complains over Trump's FIFA involvement after US star's red card: 'This was an error' (opens in a new window)
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