FIFA just can’t seem to stay out of its own way at a World Cup. And this time, England legend Wayne Rooney is making sure everyone knows how he feels about it.
The federation announced Sunday it would suspend the mandatory one-game ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun, who got a straight red card in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was originally set to miss the Round of 16 matchup against Belgium. That’s a huge deal for the Americans, because Balogun has been their most dangerous attacker in this tournament — he already has three World Cup goals. So letting him play is obviously a massive boost for the home side.
But the reasoning behind FIFA’s decision? Vague at best. And that’s where Rooney comes in.
“I think it’s an absolute disgrace,” Rooney said on BBC’s Match of the Day. “For this to be suspended, they either take the red card away, which is probably the right decision, and then you can play. But to suspend it for a year, it’s an absolute disgrace. (FIFA president Gianni Infantino) should be ashamed of this because I think the sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I’m USA’s opponent, I’d be absolutely fuming.”
Rooney’s point is pretty simple. You can’t have it both ways. Either the red card was wrong and you overturn it entirely, or you let it stand and Balogun sits out. Suspending the suspension — letting him play now while keeping the red on his record — feels like a half-measure that favors the host nation.
Controversy Before Kickoff
There’s already been debate about whether Balogun’s red card was too harsh in the first place. But Rooney’s criticism hits at something bigger. FIFA’s judicial committee has the power to overturn any refereeing decision under some ambiguous wording in Article 27. And according to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump made three calls to FIFA — maybe to push for Balogun to be allowed to play. The White House hasn’t confirmed the calls, but the rumor is out there.
Whatever actually happened behind the scenes, the result is the same. The USA-Belgium game is now loaded with controversy before a single minute is played. And if Balogun ends up scoring the winner? The backlash is going to be loud.
Rooney isn’t alone in his frustration. Fans online have been split, with some saying the red card should’ve been rescinded fully if it was a bad call, and others arguing FIFA folded to political pressure. Either way, the match just got a whole lot more interesting.
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