England legend Wayne Rooney didn’t hold back while reacting to FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-game ban given to American forward Folarin Balogun after a red card in the US’ win over Bosnia in the World Cup Round of 32 match on Wednesday.
During BBC’s coverage of England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 match on Sunday, Rooney was fuming over the matter, and explained that he believes “sportsmanship of this game is in question here” due to the FIFA’s decision.
“I know it’s UEFA, but I got a three game ban before Euro 2012 so I was due to miss the three group games and basically got told if I go over to Switzerland and do a training session with a bunch of kids, the third game gets taken off — which I didn’t agree with but I agreed to do it because I didn’t want the three-game ban,” Rooney said. “But I thought that was wrong.
“I think it’s an absolute disgrace.” 😡
Wayne Rooney questioned the call around Florian Balogun’s suspended red card for the USA. pic.twitter.com/beDcgnWNHO
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 6, 2026
“But for this to be suspended? They either take the red card away, which I think was probably the right decision and then he can play. But to suspend it for a year I think is an absolute disgrace and [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino should be ashamed of this because I think for the sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I’m the USA’s opponent I’d be absolutely fuming. I think it’s wrong in every way. I think it’s an absolute disgrace.”
FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun’s one-match ban had been suspended for a year.
The decision came four days after the USA-Bosnia game, and 24 hours before the Americans’ face Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night.
Belgium was granted the right to appeal FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-game ban.
President Donald Trump made a call to FIFA to ask Infantino to review Balogun’s red card.
Trump posted on social media afterward, writing: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The governing body did not give a explanation for the suspension, and the US did not appeal against the red card.
Balogun received the red card for colliding with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic in the 61st minute of their Round of 32 match Wednesday.
Muharemovic’s right ankle buckled under contact from Balogun when both players were challenging for the ball — and referee Raphael Claus came under fire for a number of questionable calls and inconsistencies.
VAR made their decision to the referee based on slow-motion and still replays, which is not aligned with VAR protocols, as these should be used for only point-of-contact purposes in a red card tackle situation, as noted by ESPN.
