Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on FIFA after the governing body suspended USA striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, calling it "an absolute disgrace." The decision followed reports that US President Donald Trump personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a reassessment of the red card issued during the World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Rooney's Outburst on BBC Panel
Speaking on BBC's World Cup coverage, Rooney did not hold back. "I think it's an absolute disgrace, I really do," he said. "For this to be suspended, they either take the red card away which is probably the right decision and then he can play. But to suspend it for a year? I think it's an absolute disgrace. Infantino should be ashamed of this."
Rooney drew parallels to his own experience before Euro 2012, where he received a three-game ban. "I got told if I went over to Switzerland and did a training session with a bunch of kids, my third game would get taken off. I agreed to do it because I didn't want a three-game ban but I thought that was wrong."
Co-pundits Join Criticism
Fellow pundit Micah Richards called the situation "an absolute farce," adding: "It wasn't a red card. Balogun was trying to protect the ball and he went down, it happens, football is a contact sport. To have it suspend it for a year makes a mockery of the whole tournament." Richards suggested FIFA's motive was to keep big stars in the competition, noting that the US is a co-host.
BBC presenter Kelly Cates attempted to downplay Richards' remarks, but Rooney interjected: "It might even affect him not missing a World Cup qualifier, so it's not going to affect anything to do with the World Cup. It's been brushed away."
Belgian FA Astonished
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) issued a statement expressing astonishment at FIFA's decision. "This decision is in direct contradiction to the provisions of the World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations," the statement read. "The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026." The RBFA is investigating all potential options to safeguard fair play.
Balogun, the tournament hosts' top scorer with three goals, was sent off in the win against Bosnia-Herzegovina but will now be available for the last-16 fixture against Belgium in Seattle. The US had not even submitted an appeal against the red card, and FIFA provided no justification for the suspension.
Trump's Involvement
President Trump wrote on social media: "Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Multiple reports confirm Trump personally rang Infantino to request a reassessment. The controversy dominated BBC's punditry panel after a weather delay extended their airtime.
Rooney concluded: "The sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I'm USA's opponent, I'd be absolutely fuming. It's wrong in every way. If you're an England player tonight or a Mexican player, and you get a red card, do you expect to be playing the next game? Where does it stop?"
