Ex-Fifa president slams decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFifa is facing intense scrutiny after suspending United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, with its former president Sepp Blatter alleging the move was influenced by "political phone calls". Donald Trump welcomed the ruling, amid reports of pressure from the American government, though Fifa and the White House’s World Cup Task Force have not commented on claims of governmental intervention. The decision clears Balogun to play in Monday’s last-16 clash against Belgium, despite the ban being incurred during the last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sepp Blatter criticised the organisation's integrity on X, stating that red cards are not overturned by “political phone calls” and questioning Fifa's direction. The Belgian football association expressed "astonishment" at the decision and lodged an appeal, while coaches like Rudi Garcia and Thomas Tuchel also voiced concerns about the precedent set. In fullSepp Blatter accuses Fifa of bowing to political pressure over Folarin Balogun red card decisionMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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