Former England captain Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, branding the decision to suspend USA striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card ban for a year as an “absolute disgrace.” Rooney’s comments come amidst a growing controversy that has seen the Royal Belgian Football Association express its astonishment and former US President Donald Trump thank FIFA for “doing what was right.”
Balogun, a pivotal figure for the USA with three goals and one assist in three World Cup matches, was sent off during the round of 32 clash against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The incident, involving Tarik Muharemovic, saw referee Raphael Claus issue a red card after a VAR review. Replays indicated Balogun planted his studs down Muharemovic’s achilles, turning his ankle in what was deemed serious foul play.
Initially, Balogun was expected to miss the USA’s crucial round of 16 match against Belgium. However, FIFA announced it had suspended the ban for a year, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows for such suspensions provided the discipline is not related to match-fixing.
Rooney’s personal experience fuels outrage
Rooney, speaking on the BBC, drew parallels to his own past experience with a UEFA ban before Euro 2012, where his three-game suspension was reduced by one match after he participated in a training session with children in Switzerland. He expressed profound disappointment with FIFA’s handling of Balogun’s situation.
Read also: “We did it with bravery”: Cape Verde bow out after pushing Argentina to the brink
“I think it’s an absolute disgrace, I really do,” Rooney stated. “I know it was UEFA but I got a three-game ban before Euro 2012 so I was due to miss the three group games and I got asked, or basically told that if I go over to Switzerland and do a training session with a bunch of kids the third game gets taken off. I agreed to do it because I didn’t want the three-game ban but I thought it was wrong. But for this to be suspended, they either take the red card away, which I think is probably the right decision and then he can play but to suspend it for a year I think is an absolute disgrace.”
The former Manchester United star didn’t hold back in his criticism of football’s governing body and its leader. “Infantino should be ashamed of this because I think the sportsmanship of this game is in question here and if I’m one of the USA’s opponents I would be absolutely fuming, I think it’s wrong in every way,” Rooney added.
Belgium “astonished” as Trump’s lobbying comes to light
The decision has predictably angered the USA’s next opponents. The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement expressing its dismay.
“The Royal Belgian Football Association is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match on Monday. In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”
Read also: De la Fuente: “Best midfield in the world”
Adding another layer of complexity to the saga, it is understood that Donald Trump lobbied FIFA to lift the ban, subsequently thanking the organization for “doing what was right.” Balogun himself, after the initial incident, suggested a yellow card would have been a fairer outcome, stating, “if there’s nowhere else to put your leg, it’s going to be unavoidable.”
Read also: Jurgen Klopp issues furious response after FIFA's controversial Balogun decision
