Rome, 6 July (LaPresse) – “The case of the suspension imposed and then lifted on US striker Folarin Balogun? I was having lunch when, all of a sudden, I received 18 messages from press offices, journalists and executives alerting me to this strange story. Honestly, it really struck me as utter nonsense. I went to look at Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Let’s make this clear straight away: it cannot be applied to the various national leagues – and thank goodness for that, otherwise it would be Armageddon. There was a precedent with Cristiano Ronaldo, but that involved a multiple suspension. The other case dates back as far as 1962. It has a clear political flavour to it; the New York Times reported on it.” So said FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, speaking as a guest on ‘Radio Anch’io Sport’ on Rai Radio 1. “This is an extremely dangerous precedent; I hope they realise that. I’m a supporter of this World Cup, where the stadiums are full and the fans are celebrating. But when you see a decision like this favouring one side, it undermines the meritocracy that is the foundation of football,” added Malagò.
2026 World Cup, Malagò on the Balogun case: “Absurdity with a political flavour”
Rome, 6 July (LaPresse) – “The case of the suspension imposed and then lifted on US striker Folarin Balogun? I was having lunch when, all of a sudden, I received 18 messages from press offices, journalists and executives alerting me to this strange story. Honestly, it really struck me as utter nonsense. I went to look at Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Let’s make this clear straight away: it cannot be applied to the various national leagues – and thank goodness for that, otherwise it would be Armageddon. There was a precedent with Cristiano Ronaldo, but that involved a multiple suspension. The other case dates back as far as 1962. It has a clear political flavour to it; the New York Times reported on it.” So said FIGC president Giovanni Malagò, speaking as a guest on ‘Radio Anch’io Sport’ on Rai Radio 1. “This is an extremely dangerous precedent; I hope they realise that. I’m a supporter of this World Cup, where the stadiums are full and the fans are celebrating. But when you see a decision like this favouring one side, it undermines the meritocracy that is the foundation of football,” added Malagò.
