When Trump Called FIFA: Why Norway Wants to Take the World Cup's Biggest Controversy to an Ethics Court

Donald Trump's involvement in one of the most controversial decisions in World Cup history has moved beyond headlines and into formal legal territory.

Norway's soccer federation is considering filing a complaint with FIFA's ethics investigators, arguing that the reversal of an American player's red card ban bypassed proper process and was driven by external political pressure.

Who Is Pushing for a Complaint Against Donald Trump?

The charge is being led by Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian football federation and an elected UEFA executive committee member.

A lawyer and judge by training, Klaveness has positioned Norway as a vocal conscience in world soccer since 2022. The federation's board is expected to consider filing the formal complaint around 6 August.

What Did Donald Trump Do at the World Cup?

According to The Guardian, Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino after describing the red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun, for a tackle against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a "horrible" call.

Trump reportedly took personal credit for prompting a FIFA review. The ban was subsequently deferred, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake.

Was This Decision That Unusual for FIFA?

The ruling was unprecedented in the past 60 years of World Cup history. FIFA has not published any documents explaining how its disciplinary judges reached the verdict.

What Happened After Balogun Was Cleared?

Belgium beat the United States 4-1 in what became one of the most chaotic 36-hour periods in World Cup history. Belgium's players were reportedly galvanised by the controversy surrounding the ban reversal.

Has Norway Challenged FIFA Before?

Yes. Norway previously joined a complaint by London-based NGO FairSquare alleging FIFA president Infantino breached a duty of political neutrality, including by creating a peace prize awarded to Trump at the World Cup draw in December.

FairSquare has also filed a separate complaint with the International Olympic Committee, where Infantino holds an elected position.

How Independent Is FIFA's Ethics Process?

Its independence has been questioned since 2017, reportedly the second year of Infantino's presidency, when both the lead investigator and judge were replaced, as per The Guardian. FIFA rarely acknowledges pending ethics cases.

How Close Are Trump and Infantino?

According to the New York Post, Trump reportedly considers Infantino a potential candidate for United Nations Secretary General, reflecting ties that now extend well beyond the World Cup.

Norway's board meeting in August will determine how far this challenge to FIFA's authority actually goes.

(With inputs from yMedia)