Wayne Rooney calls FIFA 'disgrace' after changing Folarin Balogun suspension

Wayne Rooney has added to the criticism of FIFA after the body changed the suspension status of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun at the 2026 World Cup. With the U.S. set to face Belgium on July 6 in Seattle for a place in the quarterfinals, Rooney questioned FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s one-game red-card ban. The former England striker said he previously accepted a three-match suspension during Euro 2012 with terms that effectively removed the third match if he attended a training session in Switzerland, calling that arrangement wrong despite agreeing to it at the time. Belgium is reportedly appealing Balogun’s availability, but FIFA’s appeals committee must decide before the match starts. The article also notes criticism of FIFA decisions affecting multiple qualifying red cards before the tournament, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s eligibility despite a three-game ban.