Potential betting irregularities have reportedly been linked to Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card during the 2026 World Cup.
The striker was dismissed for the United States in their 2-0 last 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was therefore ineligible to feature against Belgium in the next round.
However, as talkSPORT revealed, Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the one-match ban for Balogun, which was later suspended for a year.
Balogun then played against Belgium in the last 16, but the co-hosts were well beaten 4-1.
The decision to suspend his ban was solely taken by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee chairman Mohammad Al-Kamali, which was unusual given that precedent-setting cases tend to have a three-person panel.
Following the conclusion of the World Cup on Sunday, the Council of Europe have released findings from the Group of Copenhagen – who fight against sports manipulation – into possible malpractice.
Across the 104 matches, 15 were ‘placed under increased surveillance’, with the final day of the group stage being a particular concern.
Another seven were given ‘yellow notices’ and ’12 major controversies’ were ‘analysed in light of integrity risks’.
The Athletic have reported that the American cryptocurrency-based site Polymarket opened a market that asked ‘Will Folarin Balogun play against Belgium?’
This opened on July 2, which is the same day as the United States v Bosnia and Herzegovina match in which Balogun was sent off.
Balogun was confirmed to have been able to play against Belgium by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on July 5, a day before the match.
It is said that the report from the Group of Copenhagen shows there were no similar markets for any of the 14 other players who were sent off at the World Cup.
2
Balogun was the only player to have a ban suspended, whilst England defender Jarell Quansah had a one-match sanction for his dismissal against Mexico increased to two matches.
FIFA have been sent an official request by the Group of Copenhagen for a written explanation in regard to the Balogun case.
Another three incidents have been highlighted as potential examples of irregularities, as per The Athletic’s report.
This includes the red card for South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane, which he received in the 84th minute of their opening 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico.
Polymarket receiving around $4.8million (£3.6m) from markets on Spain failing to beat Cape Verde in their Group H match, which ended 0-0, also raised concern.
Another flagged example came during Spain’s 4-0 group win against Saudi Arabia, during which the VAR team disallowed a goal scored by Ferran Torres after a three-and-a-half minute delay.
