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Former England star Wayne Rooney is questioning FIFA after suspending Folarin Balogun’s USMNT red card at the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s involvement in the Balogun situation is causing significant issues as the World Cup Round of 16 continues. The USMNT is set to face off against Belgium on July 6 with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
MORE: Sepp Blatter releases comical post attacking FIFA over Folarin Balogun controversy
However, Rooney is now the latest to question FIFA after choosing to suspend Balogun’s one-game red card suspension. Even former FIFA president Sepp Blatter released an X post Monday attacking the ethics of Gianni Infantino and the organization.
Balogun exited the USA’s Round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a dangerous tackle on defender Tarik Muharemovic. That situation led to referee intervention and Balogun was sent off upon video review.
Rooney, one of England’s greatest goalscorers of all time, isn’t shying away from questioning the merit of FIFA’s latest actions.
“I know it’s UEFA, but I got a three game ban before Euro 2012 so I was due to miss the three group games and basically got told if I go over to Switzerland and do a training session with a bunch of kids, the third game gets taken off — which I didn’t agree with but I agreed to do it because I didn’t want the three-game ban,” Rooney said via New York Post. “But I thought that was wrong.”
Belgium is currently appealing Balogun’s availability for Monday night’s matchup in Seattle. However, FIFA’s appeals committee must make a decision on the matter prior to the game starting.
MORE: Belgium submits late FIFA appeal over controversial Folarin Balogun decision
Many soccer fans are pointing to FIFA’s decision to suspend several World Cup qualifying red cards before the tournament kicked off. That includes Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo being able to play in the World Cup despite receiving a three-game ban during qualifying.
Folarin Balogun of the U.S. celebrates scoring their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and the American squad are currently boasting superior odds to beat Belgium, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
The U.S. are looking to reach their first quarterfinals at the World Cup since the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. The Americans lost that game in controversial fashion against Germany.
Continue reading...
FIFA’s involvement in the Balogun situation is causing significant issues as the World Cup Round of 16 continues. The USMNT is set to face off against Belgium on July 6 with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
MORE: Sepp Blatter releases comical post attacking FIFA over Folarin Balogun controversy
However, Rooney is now the latest to question FIFA after choosing to suspend Balogun’s one-game red card suspension. Even former FIFA president Sepp Blatter released an X post Monday attacking the ethics of Gianni Infantino and the organization.
Balogun exited the USA’s Round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a dangerous tackle on defender Tarik Muharemovic. That situation led to referee intervention and Balogun was sent off upon video review.
Rooney attacks FIFA over Balogun red card stance
Rooney, one of England’s greatest goalscorers of all time, isn’t shying away from questioning the merit of FIFA’s latest actions.
“I know it’s UEFA, but I got a three game ban before Euro 2012 so I was due to miss the three group games and basically got told if I go over to Switzerland and do a training session with a bunch of kids, the third game gets taken off — which I didn’t agree with but I agreed to do it because I didn’t want the three-game ban,” Rooney said via New York Post. “But I thought that was wrong.”
Belgium is currently appealing Balogun’s availability for Monday night’s matchup in Seattle. However, FIFA’s appeals committee must make a decision on the matter prior to the game starting.
MORE: Belgium submits late FIFA appeal over controversial Folarin Balogun decision
Many soccer fans are pointing to FIFA’s decision to suspend several World Cup qualifying red cards before the tournament kicked off. That includes Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo being able to play in the World Cup despite receiving a three-game ban during qualifying.
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Folarin Balogun of the U.S. celebrates scoring their first goal. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and the American squad are currently boasting superior odds to beat Belgium, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
The U.S. are looking to reach their first quarterfinals at the World Cup since the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. The Americans lost that game in controversial fashion against Germany.
Continue reading...
