Solbakken condemns – Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said FIFA made a “big mistake” by reinstating Folarin Balogun for the United States’ round of 16 match against Belgium, arguing that Balogun had already been sent off and should have served the one-game suspension that follows a re
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Ståle Solbakken could celebrate Norway’s 2-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday and still sound furious about what he saw as a procedural injustice at the World Cup.
Instead of focusing on Erling Haaland’s two goals. a world-class performance from Norway’s keeper. or the fact that Norway’s squad advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time ever by toppling the five-time World Cup champions. the Norway coach zeroed in on Folarin Balogun and FIFA’s decision to reinstate the United States striker for Monday’s round of 16 match against Belgium.
“I think that’s a big mistake by FIFA,” Solbakken said. “I think it’s not a great conclusion. He’s got the red card and the VAR concluded that it was a red card. He was sent off. That means you are suspended for one game. I think what’s really is bad about that situation can be that it will be over (the) United States now. Because if they beat Belgium, it will have (that) extra thing about it.”.
Balogun was sent off during the USA’s 2-0 victory July 1 over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. The dismissal came in the 64th minute after he came down on the foot of an opposing defender. Under the usual rules, a red card leads to a one-game suspension. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, however, overturned Balogun’s suspension.
Solbakken suggested the impact would go beyond a single match and could affect how the result is remembered.
“Balogun scoring or even having a good game could tarnish the victory, in Solbakken’s estimation,” the account of his comments said.
Then he turned to the sport itself, arguing that precedent matters.
“Belgium would be furious,” Solbakken said. “What about the next red card? What happens then? Is there going to be a committee somewhere that is going to take that card away?”
His reaction was blunt and repeated.
“Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the World Cup. I feel also sorry for the United States, because if they win, that will always hang in the balance for it. Not good for the sport. Bad decision by FIFA.”
For Solbakken, the central issue wasn’t the outcome of Norway’s weekend match, but the uncertainty created by FIFA’s call as the tournament moves closer to the quarterfinals.
At least one other head coach in the tournament is also not a fan of the decision.
World Cup Folarin Balogun FIFA Ståle Solbakken USA vs Belgium disciplinary committee VAR red card suspension
So FIFA just said “oops” and brought him back? That’s wild.
I didn’t even know you could undo a red like that. If it was clearly red, why keep replaying it over and over.
Isn’t Belgium gonna be mad? Like if Balogun gets reinstated then all the cards don’t matter, right? Also wasn’t this based on the VAR thing, which is always confusing anyway. I guess the US will either win and it’s “tainted” or lose and it’s “FIFA fault” either way.
Honestly I don’t get how he can be “sent off” but then not suspended. Like if he got the red card in the 64th minute, that should be automatic. FIFA making decisions like this is why people don’t watch—one minute VAR is law, next minute a committee is like nah. Also I’m pretty sure Norway would’ve been fine even if FIFA reinstated someone else… sorry, I just hate when rules change mid-tournament.