Rabat – FIFA is preparing to change its disciplinary rules following the controversy surrounding American striker Folarin Balogun, whose automatic suspension was lifted during the 2026 World Cup after US President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The proposed amendment would prevent automatic one-match suspensions from being suspended in similar circumstances, following criticism of FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to participate in the tournament’s knockout stages.
The issue was discussed during a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on October 15, where officials agreed to review the disciplinary procedures involved in the case.
According to the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), FIFA has committed to amending Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, with the proposed changes expected to be submitted for approval at the next Council meeting in Doha on December 16.
How the Balogun controversy began
Balogun received a red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32, a dismissal that ordinarily carries an automatic one-match suspension.
However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the implementation of the punishment for a one-year probationary period, allowing the Monaco forward to face Belgium in the round of 16.
The decision followed a telephone call from Trump to Infantino requesting a review of the player’s suspension.
Balogun subsequently featured against Belgium, although the United States lost 4-1 and were eliminated from the competition.
The decision prompted criticism from UEFA, which described FIFA’s handling of the suspension as incomprehensible and argued that automatic bans should not be subject to exceptions during an ongoing tournament.
FIFA maintained that its independent disciplinary committee was responsible for the decision, while Infantino denied personally intervening.
FIFA faces calls for greater transparency
The Belgian Football Association has also questioned the circumstances behind Balogun’s reprieve, requesting assurances that political pressure did not influence FIFA’s disciplinary process.
RBFA President Pascale Van Damme said changing the regulations was an important step but insisted that FIFA must also explain how the original decision was reached.
The federation has requested clarification about the exceptional circumstances that justified suspending Balogun’s punishment and whether other national associations would receive equal treatment in similar situations.
The controversy comes during a period of scrutiny surrounding Infantino’s leadership, with several football officials raising concerns about transparency and governance within FIFA.
For now, the proposed disciplinary changes have not been formally approved.
FIFA’s next Council meeting, scheduled for December 16 in Doha, is expected to consider the amendment and receive further information about the circumstances surrounding Balogun’s suspension.
