Norway to file FIFA ethics complaint over Trump's role in lifting Balogun red-card ban

· Sports USANORBEL
Part of FIFA World Cup Rights Dispute

Norway's football federation is preparing a formal ethics complaint to FIFA over U.S. President Donald Trump's intervention to clear striker Folarin Balogun of a one-game World Cup suspension, with the board expected to consider the filing at its next meeting on 6 August.

The controversy stems from Trump's telephone call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, after which Balogun's red-card suspension for a tackle against Bosnia and Herzegovina was deferred, allowing him to play in the round-of-16 match against Belgium, which the U.S. lost 4-1. Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness said the decision was influenced by external forces and failed to follow proper procedure.

UEFA sharply criticised the decision, calling it a "red line" breach, while Infantino denies the call influenced the outcome. Human rights group FairSquare has separately filed an ethics complaint with the International Olympic Committee over the incident.

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