Norwegian FA Considers FIFA Complaint Over Balogun Ban Suspension

London. The Norwegian Football Federation is considering filing a formal complaint with FIFA's ethics committee regarding the decision to automatically waive a one-game ban for American striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. The American forward was expected to miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium after receiving a straight red card in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, after the intervention of US President Donald Trump, his one-game ban was suspended for 12 months. FIFA did not provide a clear reason for this, citing rules that allow for the suspension of penalties. Balogun played in the early stages of the match against Belgium, which Belgium won 4-1. Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Federation, stated that the federation has expressed serious concern about this matter and a decision on whether to file a complaint will be made at the upcoming board meeting. The federation has already filed a complaint regarding the awarding of FIFA's first 'Peace Prize' to President Trump. 'It would be appropriate to include Balogun's case in the inquiry we made to FIFA's ethics committee before the World Cup regarding the so-called Peace Prize that FIFA awarded during a draw event in Washington last year before Christmas,' Klaveness said. Meanwhile, news has emerged that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may also investigate FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has been an IOC member since 2020. According to Article Two of the Olympic Charter, IOC members are not allowed to accept any instructions from any government, organization, or other party that would interfere with their freedom of action and voting. In response to questions about this matter, the IOC issued a statement saying, 'Complaints made to the IOC Ethics Commission are confidential. Therefore, the IOC does not make any public announcements about whether any external party has filed a complaint. The IOC will only provide information if the Ethics Commission decides to take action.' Despite receiving a straight red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun was available for the match against Belgium after a phone call between Trump and Infantino. Trump later stated that FIFA had made a 'great decision.' However, Infantino has maintained that FIFA's judicial bodies work independently. At a press conference held at the Oval Office on July 6, Trump said, 'I spoke with Gianni. I watched the game, I am a person who loves sports and understands sports well, that was not a foul. I asked FIFA to review it. I spoke with a highly respected person because I didn't think it was a foul. I didn't tell him what to do, I can't tell him that.' The Royal Belgian Football Association has also expressed serious concern about the developments, stating it will fight for the protection of fair competition, ethics, and the overall interests of football. FIFA rejected Belgium's request for clarification regarding Balogun's suspension, meaning they had no grounds for appeal. UEFA, the governing body of European football, has called FIFA's move unprecedented, compromising, and unfair, stating it has crossed the line.