La Liga president Javier Tebas has voiced concerns regarding the “complicit silence” that has surrounded FIFA, particularly after the controversial decision to exempt U.S. striker Folarin Balogun from suspension during the 2026 World Cup. Balogun was able to participate in the 4-1 defeat against Belgium in the Round of 16 after FIFA’s disciplinary committee chose to suspend his one-game ban for a year.
UEFA, which has been in disagreement with FIFA over various matters, sharply criticized the decision on Monday, labeling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable.” However, outside of Europe, there has been a notable lack of outrage from football officials regarding FIFA’s ruling.
The South American football confederation, Conmebol, expressed support for its referee Raphael Claus after remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Claus was “a bit suspect.” Nevertheless, Conmebol did not take the opportunity to criticize FIFA or Trump’s request to review the ban.
Claus was the official who issued the red card to Balogun in a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina after reviewing the play with video assistant referees.
Tebas remarked that the decision concerning Balogun is merely “the tip of the iceberg,” highlighting a pattern of events that have been “deteriorating FIFA’s credibility and football as a whole for years.” The 63-year-old criticized FIFA for operating as a closed institution where decisions are made prior to any voting and without engaging domestic leagues.
“The worst part is that a significant portion of the football community is aware of this but chooses to remain silent,” Tebas stated on X. “Remaining quiet is often easier than advocating for independence, transparency, and good governance.”
Tebas emphasized that global football deserves institutions that are accountable, respect the rules, and operate with transparency, rather than relying on unilateral, arbitrary decisions that undermine the trust of fans, clubs, leagues, and players.