Former FIFA president Joseph “Sepp” Blatter has publicly questioned football’s governing body following its controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban, warning the sport must not be influenced by political powers.Blatter shares his thoughts on X after FIFA overturned Balogun’s automatic one-match ban ahead of the United States’ last-16 clash with Belgium, a decision made by the US president Donald Trump FIFA president Gianni Infantino was personally contacted to request a review of the red card.The former FIFA president from 1998 to 2015 said the incident raised serious concerns about the independence of football’s disciplinary process.
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“Red cards will not be overturned by political phone calls. Red cards will be overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If the President of the United States intervenes with the President of FIFA and a player is suddenly dismissed before the knockout rounds of the World Cup, the question is inevitable: What will FIFA do?“Football can never be a playground for political power.”Balogun was shown a red card for stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle during the United States’ 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus made the decision to dismiss following a VAR review, automatically triggering the suspension.However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension had been lifted under Article 27 of its disciplinary rules. Balogun was not suspended immediately but was placed on probation for one year. If he commits similar offenses during this period, the suspension will be initiated in addition to any further disciplinary action.The decision drew widespread attention after Trump praised FIFA for reversing what he called a “great injustice.”Belgium reacted angrily to the ruling, with the Royal Belgian Football Association saying it was “surprised” and confirming it was exploring all available options to protect the integrity of the game.Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also criticized the decision, calling it unprecedented in World Cup history and questioning the message it sent about the tournament’s disciplinary process.Meanwhile, USA coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s ruling, insisting that Balogun’s initial sacking was unfair and felt his side had been punished enough by playing with 10 men for the remainder of the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.The controversy has become one of the biggest talking points of the tournament, with Blatter’s comments adding further scrutiny to FIFA’s handling of one of the most contentious disciplinary decisions in World Cup history.
