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Rabat – After receiving a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Folarin Balogun was able to play in the 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16, sparking public backlash among supporters and public figures alike.
Many supporters argued that football lost its credibility and enjoyment after Trump’s alleged interference in football affairs, making it a space where politicians display their power.
La Liga president Javier Tebas said that FIFA’s decision to suspend the match ban on Balogun was the “tip of the iceberg” following a series of events that had been “eroding the credibility of FIFA and football in general for many years.”
The 63-year-old accused FIFA of being a “closed shop” in which decisions have been made before any vote takes place and without consultation with domestic leagues.
“And the worst of all is that much of the football world is aware of it, but too many prefer to maintain a complicit silence,” Tebas said on X.
“Because staying quiet is more comfortable than defending independence, transparency, and good governance.
“World football deserves institutions that are accountable, respect the rules, and govern with transparency—not through unilateral, discretionary, arbitrary decisions that erode the trust of fans, clubs, leagues, and players.”
UEFA, which has been in disagreement with FIFA on multiple issues, also heavily criticized the decision, calling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable.”
After beating the United States, Belgian players mimicked Trump’s dance in protest against FIFA’s decision.
“I read what was said and simply smiled. I understand their desire to promote their national team, but I was even more confident of victory than I had been before the match against Senegal,” Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said.
