La Liga president Tebas criticises FIFA over suspended Balogun ban at 2026 World Cup

What happened? La Liga president Javier Tebas criticised the perceived “complicit silence” around FIFA after United States striker Folarin Balogun was allowed to play in the last-16 defeat to Belgium following a suspended one-match ban at the 2026 World Cup.

Where and when? The incident occurred at the 2026 World Cup and Tebas made his comments publicly on X shortly after FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended Balogun’s ban for 12 months.

Who spoke and what was the main consequence? Tebas, speaking as La Liga president, said the decision damaged FIFA’s credibility and highlighted wider governance concerns; the immediate consequence was that Balogun played in the 4-1 loss to Belgium despite previously receiving a red card.

The red card was shown by referee Raphael Claus after a video assistant referee review in the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. FIFA’s disciplinary committee later opted to suspend the one-game ban for 12 months, allowing Balogun to remain eligible for selection.

UEFA publicly described FIFA’s decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” reflecting tensions between UEFA and FIFA on several issues.

Outside Europe, reactions were muted. CONMEBOL issued a statement defending referee Raphael Claus after comments from US president Donald Trump, who said he had asked for the ban to be reviewed.

Tebas, 63, said the Balogun case was “the tip of the iceberg” and argued that a pattern of events has been eroding FIFA’s and football’s credibility for many years.

He accused FIFA of operating as a closed shop where decisions are made in advance and without consultation with domestic leagues. Tebas added that much of the football world is aware of these practices but remains silent because it is easier than defending independence, transparency and good governance.

In his remarks Tebas called for institutions that are accountable, respect rules and govern transparently rather than through unilateral or arbitrary decisions that undermine the trust of fans, clubs, leagues and players.