Rooney strongly criticizes FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s card and fires at Infantino By Thiago Lemos
2 min read
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Wayne Rooney has expressed strong disapproval of the move by the International Football Federation (FIFA) that postponed the red card penalty given to Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. The North American player, who was sent off in a clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, had his suspension postponed for twelve months, allowing him to play against Belgium in the round of 16.
Acting as a commentator for the BBC during the tournament, the former England striker labeled the deliberation as something shameful and directed his criticism at FIFA president himself, Gianni Infantino.
The former player declared that he considers the situation a complete dishonor. He reiterated that the suspension of the sanction for a period of twelve months is unacceptable, suggesting that Infantino should feel embarrassed as the action compromises the integrity and sportsmanship of the competition.
Rooney also drew a parallel with a penalty he suffered in the 2012 Euro Cup, when he was banned for three matches. In his view, football’s highest governing body would have the prerogative to annul the red card if it assessed the expulsion as undue, but postponing the penalty for a year does not appear to be the appropriate solution.
The resolution on Balogun’s situation had already triggered an intense global debate. International press classified the move as a “scandal”, “controversy” and an “unexpected change”, mainly due to its proximity to the decisive game against the Belgian national team.
