Stale Solbakken slams FIFA over Folarin Balogun red card suspension | OneFootball

Stale Solbakken has attacked FIFA’s move to suspend the effect of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card, saying it is not good for the sport.

According to L'Équipe, under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, FIFA has suspended the application of the striker’s dismissal, received in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pending the Belgian federation’s appeal, the United States forward could feature in the last 16 against Belgium.

The Norway head coach called it a major error, noting that VAR had confirmed the sending off. He questioned the precedent and asked what would happen the next time a red card is shown, including whether a committee would convene to lift it.

He added that if Balogun does play he will be under scrutiny, and if the AS Monaco striker proves decisive it would leave the United States with an extra controversy should they beat Belgium.

Solbakken has guided Norway to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. In a separate news conference, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia backed his federation’s stance on the postponement, saying it was about defending football, integrity and ethics. Solbakken aligned with that view, describing the call as a very bad decision for the tournament.

Source: L'Équipe