Norway coach criticizes FIFA for Balogun red card reversal ahead of match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 12:18 AM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken criticized FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card ban before the USA's upcoming match against Belgium in the World Cup. Balogun received a red card during the USA's victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 but is now eligible to play against Belgium. This reversal has raised concerns among other teams about precedents it might set, with Solbakken stating it could tarnish games depending on future red card decisions. The USA, having benefitted from this ruling, faces Belgium on July 6, 2026, in a critical knockout match.
- •Ståle Solbakken calls FIFA's decision a "big mistake".
- •Balogun was sent off for a challenge in the USA's July 1 match.
- •FIFA overturned his suspension, making him eligible to play against Belgium.
- •Concerns arise about fairness and future precedents following the reversal.
- 12:18 AMYahoo Sports — Norway coach rips FIFA for Balogun red card reversal, says it 'hurts' World Cup'
- 12:10 AMYahoo Sports — Norway boss tears into Fifa over ‘big mistake’ to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card at World Cup
"Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said FIFA was making a "big mistake" by reinstating Folarin Balogun off a red card prior to the USA's match vs. Belgium.
"Folarin Balogun can now play against Belgium after Fifa made the extraordinary decision to change the punishment for his red card to a suspended ban
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 12:18 AMNorway coach rips FIFA for Balogun red card reversal, says it 'hurts' World Cup'
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said FIFA was making a "big mistake" by reinstating Folarin Balogun off a red card prior to the USA's match vs. Belgium.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 12:10 AMNorway boss tears into Fifa over ‘big mistake’ to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red card at World Cup
Folarin Balogun can now play against Belgium after Fifa made the extraordinary decision to change the punishment for his red card to a suspended ban
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