Referee chief slams Trump and FIFA over Balogun scandal: 'They fuelled conspiracy theories'

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FT Desk

Howard Webb, the Chief Refereeing Officer for Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref), believes that the Folarin Balogun scandal during the 2026 World Cup provided fuel to conspiracy theories that football officials can be manipulated.

In the USMNT's Round of 32 fixture against Bosnia & Herzegovina, the Monaco forward was shown a straight red card after a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. As a result, he was automatically suspended for the Americans' last-16 game against Belgium after they secured their place in the next round.

But in a dramatic twist, reports surfaced claiming FIFA had rescinded Balogun's suspension, clearing him to face Belgium.

The Belgian Football Association reacted furiously, releasing a statement saying it was "astonished" by the ruling and insisting it would pursue justice regardless of the outcome of the match.

It was later revealed by United States President Donald Trump that he had personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for Balogun to be made available for the Belgium fixture. FIFA subsequently lifted the suspension under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which permits the organisation "to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."

The USA lost the match anyway, but Belgium vowed to still pursue justice and their plight is ongoing.

Infantino and FIFA came under huge scrutiny following the scandal, and the only reason some people have forgotten about it is that he became embroiled in an even bigger scandal after the World Cup when he put in plans in place to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.

Webb believes the intervention from FIFA on behalf of the USA set a dangerous precedent.

“Integrity in football is so, so important," the former Premier League ref told Sky Sports.

"We live in a world where conspiracy theories are abounding based on nothing — no facts, no evidence. Of course, when something like this happens and there’s external pressure applied, it’s not helpful because it creates a space for those conversations to happen.

“Processes need to be put in place and followed for the integrity of the game. We know decisions can be appealed in certain competitions, and if that process is in place, then it’s right that it’s followed.

“Certainly, what we saw wasn’t helpful from a refereeing point of view, because referees go out there and make decisions honestly based on what they see in the moment. That will certainly be the case in the Premier League.”

On whether the referee’s integrity and decision-making had been undermined, he said:

“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think the referee thinks much more about it. They do their job on the day, and the VAR does their job on the day.

“I just think the fact that it was admitted post-event that some pressure had been applied and some process implemented - and I don’t know the ins and outs of it - gives fuel to those people who think those sorts of conversations happen all the time.

“I’m really confident that they don’t. Anything that gives people energy to fuel conspiracy theories around refereeing decisions is not helpful for us.”

Infantino's relationship with Trump is one of a number of reasons why his presidency is currently under threat.

Following the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal involving private equity investment, he has been scurrying around looking for support from the various continental governing bodies around the world.

UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF have all withdrawn their support for his presidency.