Former FIFA President Criticizes Intervention Over Red-Card Decision

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has criticized FIFA’s decision to lift a red-card suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. This development allows Balogun to participate in a World Cup match against Belgium scheduled for Monday. The decision has drawn support from former President Donald Trump and opposition from Belgian soccer authorities.

The event unfolded after Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino following a match between the U.S. and Bosnia-Herzegovina. In the game, Balogun received a red card and was sent off. Trump requested FIFA to review the decision, according to a source cited by The Associated Press.

In response to Trump’s intervention, Blatter posted on X early Monday, stating, Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies…. He further questioned FIFA’s actions, emphasizing, If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA? Football must never become a playground for political power.

Blatter held the position of FIFA president from 1998 to 2015. He resigned during a corruption investigation. Earlier this year, Blatter supported a fan boycott of World Cup matches in the United States, expressing disapproval of Trump’s administration.

Newsweek has reached out to Blatter for additional comments through an email sent to the Sepp Blatter Foundation. Editors Tobias Meyjes and Tony Phillips are covering this story.

This story is ongoing, and further updates will be provided.