FIFA is set to consider a rule change that would prevent the suspension of automatic one-match bans in future tournaments, following the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun’s red card at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to ESPN, which cited sources familiar with the matter, the proposal is among the key items expected to be discussed when the 37-member FIFA Council meets in Zurich on Thursday. Reuters independently reported the planned motion on Wednesday. The proposal has not yet been confirmed as an approved rule change.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2–0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 after a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee subsequently suspended the implementation of his automatic one-match ban for a one-year probationary period, making him eligible for the round-of-16 clash against Belgium on July 6. The United States lost that match 4–1.
The decision triggered widespread criticism, with UEFA describing it as an unprecedented and unjustifiable departure from the principle that a red card should carry an automatic suspension. The European governing body argued that allowing an exception during an ongoing tournament threatened the consistency and credibility of the competition.
The controversy intensified after United States President Donald Trump acknowledged personally contacting FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss the red card and suspension before the ban was lifted.
Infantino has maintained that FIFA’s disciplinary committee acted independently and that he had no involvement in its decision. However, the timing of Trump’s call and the subsequent reversal fuelled concerns about possible political influence over football governance.
A proposed amendment would seek to prevent similar suspensions of automatic one-match bans in future competitions. Whether the measure is adopted will depend on the outcome of the FIFA Council’s deliberations.
The rule change may not, however, end questions about how Balogun’s suspension was overturned. Football Association chair and FIFA vice-president Debbie Hewitt is among the officials seeking greater transparency, including the release of documents and correspondence relating to the case.
The council meeting is expected to put Infantino under further scrutiny over the handling of the Balogun affair, alongside other governance controversies. For FIFA, the challenge will be to restore confidence in the consistent application of its disciplinary regulations while addressing demands for a clearer account of how the decision was reached.
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