Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has criticised FIFA over its decision to overturn the suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun, following reports that the move came after an intervention by US President Donald Trump.
Balogun had been due to miss the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after receiving a red card in his previous match.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension had been put on hold for one year, making the 25-year-old eligible to feature in the knockout fixture.
According to reports, Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the player’s punishment.
Reacting to the development, Klopp described the decision as unacceptable, insisting that football rules should be respected.
He said Balogun’s dismissal warranted a suspension under the laws of the game, adding that political figures should have no influence over football disciplinary matters.
Klopp also questioned the integrity of the decision, arguing that any involvement by Trump and Infantino in overturning the ban would undermine confidence in the sport’s governing system.
Balogun was shown a straight red card after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review determined that he stepped on the foot of a Bosnia defender during the United States’ 2-0 victory in the previous round.
Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card automatically carries a one-match suspension.
However, FIFA statutes contain a provision allowing the governing body to fully or partially suspend disciplinary sanctions, a rule that was reportedly used to reverse Balogun’s ban.
The same provision was previously applied to suspend a three-match ban imposed on Cristiano Ronaldo, allowing him to participate in Portugal’s opening matches of the tournament.
The President of the German Football Association (DFB), Bernd Neuendorf, also called on FIFA to explain the circumstances surrounding the decision.
He said reports suggesting that the suspension was lifted following a conversation between Trump and Infantino could damage the credibility of the competition and called for transparency.
Trump, who recently received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize, welcomed the decision, describing it as the correction of what he called a “great injustice.”