The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is mounting a formal legal and ethics challenge against FIFA after the governing body suspended a red card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
​NFF President Lise Klaveness told The Times on Thursday that she will present the matter to her executive board on August 6, 2026, seeking formal approval to submit a official complaint to FIFA’s Ethics Committee in Zurich.
On July 2, Balogun received a straight red card in the 64th minute of the United States’ 2–0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 following a high studs-up challenge.
The Presidentof U.S., Donald Trump reached out directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to complain about the officiating and request an immediate review.
FIFA Disciplinary Committee Chairman Mohammad al-Kamali bypassed full committee review to apply Article 27 of the Disciplinary Code. The decision converted Balogun’s mandatory one-match ban into a $40,000 fine and a one-year probation period.
By July 6, he was cleared to play, Balogun started in the USMNT’s Round of 16 match against Belgium, though the Americans were ultimately eliminated 4–1.
“When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk. It is a worry for the game when you compromise fundamental rules. We all know that this verdict was influenced by external forces and did not have the proper process.”
Stated Lise Klaveness, NFF President.
​The upcoming complaint directly targets what Norwegian officials view as dangerous political influence over standard sporting regulations. Norway questions the procedural validity of a committee chairman overriding automatic suspension rules without a full disciplinary tribunal convene.
The complaint will highlight political intervention disrupting the neutral enforcement of match discipline. The filing will form part of a broader petition alongside Norway’s existing challenge regarding the presentation of FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize to President Trump.
The NFF board’s vote on August 6 is expected to pass unanimously, setting up a high-profile showdown between the Scandinavian federation and FIFA’s leadership.
