Norway takes allegations of Trump's interference in Balogun's suspension to FIFA

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is preparing to take allegations of political interference in the process of overturning the red card suspension received by U.S. national team player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup to FIFA.

NFF President Lise Klaveness announced that she would bring the matter to the federation's board and that they would subsequently file an official application with FIFA. Klaveness stated that the allegations that the disciplinary decision was changed through external interference without a fair trial process are concerning in terms of the fundamental principles of football.

At the center of the controversy is Balogun, who received a red card in the Round of 32 match where the U.S. defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun's suspension, which was expected to prevent him from playing in the Round of 16 match against Belgium, was suspended by FIFA.

FIFA EMPHASIZES INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a re-evaluation of Balogun's suspension. In a previous statement regarding the call, Trump said, "All I did was ask for the suspension to be reviewed. I didn't think it was a foul. I think the right decision was made, and the referee's decision was wrong."

FIFA, meanwhile, maintains that the decision was made by an independent disciplinary committee. While Infantino acknowledged that he had been in contact with Trump, he denied the allegations of political pressure. Infantino stated that FIFA's judicial bodies are completely independent and that decisions are made within the framework of the disciplinary regulations.

The Athletic has alleged that the Trump administration and the lawyers it appointed conducted coordinated lobbying efforts to ensure FIFA ruled in favor of Balogun. Norway's application aims to have these allegations investigated by the FIFA Ethics Committee and relevant boards.

The Norwegian Football Federation had previously supported an application made to the FIFA Ethics Committee regarding Infantino. That application included allegations that FIFA's principle of political neutrality had been violated and that authority had been misused in the process of awarding the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump.

The FIFA statutes contain a provision that the institution shall remain neutral in political and religious matters. The code of ethics also requires FIFA officials to adhere to the principle of political neutrality in their relations with state institutions.

News Source: 12punto