Gary Lineker criticises FIFA president over Balogun’s suspension
Gary Lineker has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, claiming his position has become “almost untenable” following the governing body’s controversial handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension, reports BritPanorama.
The criticism follows FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to play in the United States’ World Cup last-16 defeat against Belgium despite the Arsenal forward having been sent off in the previous round. This action has prompted widespread debate about the fairness of the disciplinary measures applied in the tournament.
This controversy intensified when England defender Jarell Quansah received a two-match suspension for his dismissal against Mexico, rendering him unavailable for Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Norway and any potential semi-final.
Meanwhile, Balogun was permitted to participate after FIFA suspended his one-match ban from the prior incident during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The contrasting treatment of the players has led to accusations of inconsistency, further fueled by US President Donald Trump’s public request for FIFA to review Balogun’s case.
On the podcast The Rest Is Football, Lineker questioned Infantino’s ability to retain his role amid the escalating backlash. “I think his position at FIFA now is almost untenable,” he stated, reflecting the sentiments echoed by other figures within the sport.
Former England captain Alan Shearer also weighed in, asserting that FIFA had generated the controversy itself. “FIFA have brought all this on themselves,” he remarked. “How on earth does Quansah now get two games, Balogun got one suspended and got it taken away, yet Quansah now has to miss if England get through the two games? It’s absolutely scandalous. Such a bad look.”
Further criticism rolled in from former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who likened Infantino’s management to that of the clumsy television character Basil Fawlty. “He’s got one job,” Cole remarked, “He’s like Basil Fawlty, falling over himself all the time and messing it up.”
Micah Richards, a former Manchester City defender, branded FIFA’s disciplinary process “an absolute farce,” lamenting that the negative publicity overshadowed the positive narratives surrounding the tournament. “All the good things that have happened in this competition? All the success stories, we keep talking about them, but this is just ridiculous,” he added.
UEFA has also expressed dismay at FIFA’s decision, calling it “incomprehensible” and asserting that it “crossed a red line.” The Belgian Football Association, meanwhile, has considered legal action, expressing astonishment at Balogun’s eligibility.
Despite the uproar, Balogun’s playing made little difference in the match, as Belgium cruised to a 4-1 victory, eliminating the United States from the competition. The Belgians will now face Spain in the quarter-finals tonight at 8 pm.
