Klopp criticizes FIFA's Balogun decision, questions influence from Trump
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 5:50 AM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Jürgen Klopp and Stale Solbakken criticized FIFA's ruling on striker Folarin Balogun after a controversial red card incident. FIFA suspended the ban on Balogun for the World Cup round-of-16 match, allowing him to play against Belgium. Klopp expressed disbelief over claims that former U.S. President Donald Trump directly influenced FIFA's decision. Solbakken described FIFA's actions as a 'big mistake' that could harm the integrity of the tournament. The case has raised concerns about potential precedents regarding disciplinary decisions in the future.
- •FIFA suspended Balogun's ban; he is eligible to play against Belgium.
- •Klopp questioned Trump's alleged involvement in FIFA's ruling.
- •Solbakken labeled FIFA's decision a significant error for the World Cup.
- •Critics fear the ruling may set a dangerous precedent for future cards.
- •Norway faces Brazil in the quarterfinals after defeating the Netherlands.
- 11:18 PMYahoo Sports — Jürgen Klopp among high-profile coaches lashing out at FIFA’s Folarin Balogun decision
- 6:34 AMYahoo Sports — Klopp criticizes Trump and Infatino after Balogun's ban overturned
- 5:50 AMYahoo Sports — 🎥 After Balogun ruling! Klopp hits out at Trump & Infantino
"Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp was outraged with the reports that United States President Donald Trump tried to influence the decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension ahead of the World Cup last 16 against Belgium. "This is our game, not theirs," Klopp said on MagentaTV, where he's serving as TV pundit during the tournament.
"Following FIFA’s controversial decision in the Folarin Balogun case, Jürgen Klopp and Norway national team coach Stale Solbakken also voiced sharp criticism of the world governing body. Incoming G...
"Jürgen Klopp, Rudi Garcia, Ståle Solbakken, and Thomas Tuchel have all come out against FIFA's controversial decision to suspend U.S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun's one-match ban
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 11:18 PMJürgen Klopp among high-profile coaches lashing out at FIFA’s Folarin Balogun decision
Jürgen Klopp, Rudi Garcia, Ståle Solbakken, and Thomas Tuchel have all come out against FIFA's controversial decision to suspend U.S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun's one-match ban
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 6:34 AMKlopp criticizes Trump and Infatino after Balogun's ban overturned
Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp was outraged with the reports that United States President Donald Trump tried to influence the decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension ahead of the World Cup last 16 against Belgium. "This is our game, not theirs," Klopp said on MagentaTV, where he's serving as TV pundit during the tournament.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 5:50 AM🎥 After Balogun ruling! Klopp hits out at Trump & Infantino
Following FIFA’s controversial decision in the Folarin Balogun case, Jürgen Klopp and Norway national team coach Stale Solbakken also voiced sharp criticism of the world governing body. Incoming G...
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