Former England captain Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the governing body controversially lifted Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension ahead of the United States’ FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
The decision has sparked widespread debate across the football world, with Rooney describing FIFA’s move as “an absolute disgrace” and questioning the integrity of the tournament.
Balogun, who has been one of the standout performers for the tournament hosts, was shown a straight red card during the USA’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The dismissal automatically ruled him out of the next match under World Cup competition regulations, meaning he was expected to miss the knockout encounter against Belgium.
ALSO READ: Belgium FA slams FIFA over suspension of Balogun red card
However, in a surprise announcement on Sunday night, FIFA confirmed that the striker’s suspension had been deferred for one year, allowing him to feature against Belgium. The world football governing body did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision, while reports indicated that U.S. Soccer had not formally appealed the red card.
The unexpected ruling immediately drew criticism from Rooney, who believes FIFA has set a dangerous precedent by allowing a player sent off in one World Cup match to participate in the next.
“For this to be suspended, they either take the red card away, which is probably the right decision, and then he can play,” Rooney said.
“But to suspend it for a year? I think it’s an absolute disgrace. Infantino should be ashamed of this.”
The former Manchester United striker questioned the consistency of FIFA’s disciplinary process, arguing that the decision undermines the principle of fair competition.
“The sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I’m USA’s opponent, I’d be absolutely fuming. It’s wrong in every way,” Rooney added.
“If you’re an England player tonight or a Mexican player and you get a red card, do you expect to be playing the next game? Where does it stop?”
Rooney also pointed out that postponing the suspension until after the World Cup significantly reduces its impact, insisting the punishment no longer serves its intended purpose.
“It might even affect him not missing a World Cup qualifier, so it’s not going to affect anything to do with the World Cup. It’s been brushed away, so it’s not going to have anything to do with the World Cup.”
Belgium’s football federation also reacted angrily to the development, releasing a strongly worded statement expressing disbelief over FIFA’s decision.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “astonished” by the suspension deferral, arguing that the ruling directly contradicts the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations.
According to the RBFA, automatic suspensions for red cards had been clearly outlined in official tournament documents circulated to all participating nations before the competition and were reiterated during every Match Coordination Meeting.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the Belgian FA is investigating all potential options,” the federation said.
The controversy has also attracted political attention after U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision on social media.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump posted.
Reports have also suggested that Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s dismissal, although no official confirmation has been provided by FIFA regarding those claims.
With Balogun leading the United States scoring charts with three goals, his availability provides a significant boost to the hosts ahead of their crucial clash with Belgium. Nevertheless, FIFA’s decision continues to divide opinion, with critics arguing it has raised serious questions about consistency, transparency and the application of the tournament’s disciplinary rules.
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France national football team 2026
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