Norway to file FIFA ethics complaint over Balogun suspension

The Norwegian Football Federation says it will file a formal complaint with FIFA’s ethics investigators over the governing body’s handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension, arguing that the decision undermined the integrity of the game.

Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness confirmed the move in an interview published on Thursday, calling on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to acknowledge that the organisation made a mistake in overturning the United States forward’s suspension.

Norway questions FIFA decision

Klaveness criticised FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban, claiming the process was influenced by external pressure and failed to follow established procedures.

“When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that threatens the integrity of the game,” Klaveness stressed.

She warned that altering fundamental regulations could have serious consequences for football’s credibility.

“Bending fundamental regulations of the game poses a major threat,” she added, stressing: “We need our leader in FIFA to admit that this was an error.”

Balogun played after suspension lifted

Balogun had originally been ruled out of the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium after receiving a red card in the group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

However, FIFA later suspended the one-match ban following reported intervention by US President Donald Trump, allowing the striker to feature against Belgium without providing a public explanation for the decision.

Despite Balogun’s inclusion in the starting line-up, the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat, ending the co-hosts’ World Cup campaign.

Ethics scrutiny grows

The controversy has continued to gather momentum beyond Norway’s complaint.

Human rights organisation FairSquare has also lodged an ethics complaint with the International Olympic Committee, alleging that FIFA president Gianni Infantino breached political neutrality principles in his handling of the Balogun case.

Norway’s planned complaint is expected to increase pressure on FIFA to explain the circumstances surrounding one of the tournament’s most controversial disciplinary decisions.