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FIFA to amend disciplinary rules following Balogun controversy
FIFA is moving to amend Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to prevent the suspension of automatic one-match bans following a red card. This decision follows significant controversy during the 2026 World Cup involving US forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun received a red card during a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina but was permitted to play in the subsequent round of 16 against Belgium after his suspension was controversially lifted.
The incident drew intense scrutiny after reports surfaced that US President Donald Trump had personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the sanction. While Infantino has consistently denied any personal involvement or political pressure, claiming the decision was made independently by the disciplinary committee, the event sparked widespread criticism regarding the integrity and transparency of FIFA’s processes.
The proposed regulatory changes, which will be presented to the FIFA Council, aim to ensure stability and predictability by making automatic suspensions mandatory. The Belgian Football Association has actively pushed for these changes, seeking to ensure that such exceptions cannot be made in the future. The amendment is expected to be formally submitted for approval in Doha on December 16, 2026.
Entities
Belgian Football Association · Donald Trump · FIFA · Folarin Balogun · Gianni Infantino · Zurich
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The FIFA Council is meeting in Zurich. www.athletiko.gr · www.bezirksjournal.at · www.england365.gr · www.gbnews.com · www.index.hr · +1 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] FIFA plans to amend its disciplinary code to prevent the suspension of automatic red card bans. www.athletiko.gr · www.bezirksjournal.at · www.england365.gr · www.gbnews.com · www.index.hr · +9 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Gianni Infantino denies personal involvement in the decision to lift the ban. www.athletiko.gr · www.gbnews.com · www.england365.gr · news.mynavi.jp · www.mopo.de · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Infantino proposes doubling the funds provided to national associations. www.athletiko.gr · www.gbnews.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was lifted during the 2026 World Cup. www.athletiko.gr · www.bezirksjournal.at · www.england365.gr · www.gbnews.com · www.index.hr · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Donald Trump reportedly contacted Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun's suspension. www.athletiko.gr · www.gbnews.com · www.england365.gr · www.index.hr · news.mynavi.jp