FIFA is seeking to amend its disciplinary code to prevent a repeat of the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-match suspension following a red card was controversially overturned during the World Cup.
The proposed amendment will be presented to the FIFA Council, the governing body’s decision-making arm, at its meeting in Zurich on Thursday.
The proposal seeks to restrict the suspension of automatic one-match bans, with FIFA arguing that the changes are necessary to ensure predictability regarding player eligibility and protect the integrity of competitions.
The move follows widespread criticism after Balogun was allowed to feature in the United States’ round-of-16 match against Belgium despite receiving a red card in the previous game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The suspension was lifted following a review by FIFA’s independent disciplinary panel. The decision came after US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the case.
FIFA has maintained that Infantino did not influence the decision, insisting that it was made independently by the disciplinary panel.
The United States, with Balogun in the lineup, subsequently lost 4-1 to Belgium and exited the tournament.
The controversy also drew criticism from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which described the decision as “incomprehensible” and said it had “crossed a red line.”
According to a document reviewed by The Athletic, the proposed amendment would introduce additional restrictions to Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, which was invoked in the decision to allow Balogun to play.
However, sources close to FIFA Council members expressed concerns that the wording was circulated less than 48 hours before Thursday’s meeting, raising questions about the short notice given to members.
They argued that the existing rules were not generally unclear and that the controversy arose from the unusual decision to allow Balogun to play.
The controversy has added to the challenges facing Infantino as he seeks another term as FIFA president. Other issues include criticism over the FIFA Peace Prize awarded to Trump and a failed attempt to sell the organisation’s commercial business to private United States investors.
UEFA and Concacaf have called for changes in FIFA’s leadership, although no rival candidate has emerged to challenge Infantino in the upcoming presidential election.
Infantino has, however, received backing from the Confederation of African Football and enjoys unanimous support in South America, while several football leaders in Asia and Oceania are also supporting him.
The proposed amendment is expected to be considered by the FIFA Council as the organisation seeks to address concerns over the handling of disciplinary decisions during major competitions.
