Sepp Blatter, who previously led FIFA, has criticised the governing body's decision to overturn the red card given to American forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun received his marching orders during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and faced a one-game suspension.
FIFA reversed the decision on Sunday, clearing him to feature against Belgium in their knockout round encounter. The move has sparked controversy among football figures.
"Red cards aren't overturned by political phone calls," Blatter posted on X. "They're overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies."
He raised alarm over potential interference at the highest political level. "If a U.S.
President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question becomes: Quo vadis, FIFA?" he wrote.
Blatter stressed that football must remain separated from political influence. "Football must never become a playground for political power," the former FIFA chief added.
The incident has reignited debate about FIFA's handling of disciplinary matters during the tournament. Blatter's comments reflect growing concern that political pressure may be affecting sporting decisions at football's highest level.
