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Jürgen Klopp has sharply criticized FIFA's decision to overturn the suspension imposed on USMNT forward Folarin Balogun, raising questions about President Trump's involvement in the matter.
Balogun received a straight red card during the USMNT's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemović, with FIFA swiftly confirming that the United States could not challenge the ruling and that the striker would automatically miss one match.
Yet, on the night before the round of 16 encounter with Belgium, FIFA reversed course and allowed Balogun to feature after a conversation involving the White House and President Trump, who is widely known to share a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The U-turn sparked an outpouring of frustration from across the soccer world, with Klopp lending his prominent voice to those angered by the controversy.
"If that's truly what happened, then it's absolutely absurd," the incoming coach said during an appearance on Magenta TV. "Let me put it simply: this is our sport, not theirs. These two individuals, who both have no understanding of football, should have no involvement in it whatsoever.
"It was a red card, plain and simple. We feel for Balogun because it wasn't intentional, but the rules are the rules."
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Norway Manager: FIFA Setting Worrying Precedent
The move to lift Balogun's ban, regardless of whether the original challenge truly warranted a red card, has drawn sweeping condemnation from supporters, analysts, and officials around the world.
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken took a moment away from celebrating his team's 2–1 upset over Brazil to caution FIFA that it has opened a dangerous door by establishing a troubling precedent around the reversal of refereeing decisions.
"I have to be straightforward," a visibly displeased Solbakken said. "This was a serious error by FIFA. It is not the right call. He was shown a red card, VAR confirmed it was red. That means you sit out.
"The real problem is that if the U.S. goes on to beat Belgium, this will never go away. If he scores, the Belgians will be outraged. What happens with the next red card? Is there some committee that can just wipe it out? It's a terrible, terrible, terrible decision that is damaging the World Cup.
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"I actually feel for the U.S. If they win, it will always be hanging over them. It's not good for the game. A poor decision by FIFA."
The saga may not be finished just yet, as FIFA has granted Belgium the right to appeal the ruling, adding further tension to the build-up ahead of Monday's fixture.