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The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is set to file a formal complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee over the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban, warning that the decision has undermined the integrity of football’s disciplinary process.
NFF president Lise Klaveness told The Times that the federation would seek board approval before lodging the complaint, describing the incident as one that should never have occurred.
“I will bring it to a board meeting and discuss with my board, and then we do it,” Klaveness said.
“To me, it should be in the same sphere of ethical complaint.”
The controversy erupted after FIFA suspended Balogun’s automatic one-match ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to feature against Belgium. The decision drew widespread criticism after reports that United States President Donald Trump had intervened by speaking with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Klaveness warned that altering disciplinary rules under external influence sets a dangerous precedent.
“When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk,” she said.
“It is a worry for the game when you compromise fundamental rules of the game.
“First of all, it should not have happened. It is very important now to have honest communication around it.
“We all know that this verdict was influenced by external forces and did not have the proper process.
“We need our leader in FIFA to say that this was an error,” she added.
She also criticised reports that FIFA’s disciplinary committee chairman took the decision without consulting other members.
“When you make controversial decisions, and when there has been an external, very powerful voice in your ear, it’s very important that you have more voices (making the decision).
“And if you don’t, it’s a mistake.”
Klaveness insisted the matter should not be ignored.
“To try to sweep this under the carpet now will not fly.
“Too many felt this… coaches, players, fans… that this was too close to the game.”
The Norwegian football chief also opposed proposals to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams.
“Smaller nations like ourselves, that haven’t been there for 20 years, showed the World Cup could be extended to 48 teams.
“It’s not in football’s interest, or even reasonable, to now start to talk about 64 teams 48 teams was a big change.
“If you bring the discussion now to 64, and powerful people say it, you will create distrust.
“The World Cup should not interfere with the domestic leagues, or the confederations, more than it does today,” she said.
Norway returned to the World Cup after a 28-year absence and reached the quarter-finals before losing to England. The NFF’s proposed complaint is expected to intensify scrutiny of FIFA’s handling of the Balogun case and the governance issues surrounding the tournament.
