Lothar Matthäus harshly criticizes FIFA for canceling the

Former German midfielder Lothar Matthäus has spoken out harshly about FIFA's reversal of the suspension of Folarin Balogun, the United States striker, during the 2026 World Cup. The decision, taken after Donald Trump admitted to having contacted FIFA to request a review of the sanction, sparked a wave of criticism even from football icons.

Matthäus does not hide his indignation: “The World Cup gave us many exceptional matches and a fantastic atmosphere, but who ruined everything? FIFA and politics! » he said bluntly. He insists that Balogun's expulsion during the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina was clear, especially since this decision had been confirmed by VAR. Yet the suspension was lifted, a decision he calls ridiculous and the worst example he has ever seen in football.

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The former player emphasizes that while certain innovations and commercial breaks are acceptable in the evolution of football, the removal of an obvious red card is unprecedented and constitutes interference in the sport. “This deeply saddens me. I have never criticized FIFA before, but this is total outrage. I'm sorry to say this, but it almost makes me want to vomit! » adds Matthäus.

He also criticizes the fact that this leniency only concerns players from major nations or host countries, while players from less powerful teams are sanctioned normally, which creates a blatant injustice. According to him, FIFA is making a fool of itself and trampling on football. “I have nothing against Gianni Infantino, he can even award ten World Cup prizes to Donald Trump, but when it comes to cheating and manipulation, I draw a clear line. What FIFA is doing at the moment is a scandal and a betrayal of football fans,” he concluded in his remarks reported by Sky Sport.

This controversy comes in a context of major media exposure around the 2026 World Cup organized jointly in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where sporting and political issues intertwine as rarely.