Football fans have been left stunned by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comments on FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card.

FIFA opted to invoke Article 27, which allows it to suspend Balogun’s one-game ban following a contentious sending-off in the United States’ World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The AS Monaco striker received his marching orders for a challenge on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.

The USA and their coach, Mauricio Pochettino, were outraged by the decision. Likewise, US president Donald Trump, who has since applauded FIFA for “doing the right thing” and “reversing a great injustice.”

Ibrahimovic ‘Happy’ After Balogun Red Card Suspended

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FIFA haven’t reversed the red card decision but rather suspended the one-game ban for one year. For many, this is inexcusable given that others who have been sent off during a World Cup haven’t been allowed such treatment.

Balogun will now be available for the USA’s last 16 clash with Belgium on Tuesday at Seattle Stadium. Not only are fans and the media calling it corruption, but the Belgian FA are also considering legal action over an “astonishing” decision.

Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, says he’s “happy” with the outcome and given a suspicious verdict on the situation. He said on American broadcaster FOX Sports:

Balogun has been crucial for Pochettino’s side, finding the net three times in as many outings. He scored in a 2-0 win over Bosnia before being sent down the tunnel for a foul that many, including Ibrahimovic, felt didn’t justify a red card.

There had already been a debate over the sending-off, but FIFA’s suspension has caused outrage. A volatile situation continues to spiral out of control and Ibrahimovic has dragged himself into the firing line.

‘Money Talks’ – Fans Slam Ibrahimovic

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Ibrahimovic usually doesn’t mince his words and says how he feels, but some believe he’s played up to the American fanbase with his comments. The former Manchester United striker might live to regret giving his take on the Balogun saga.

One fan responded to a clip of the Swede with a brutal dig: “Zlatan has officially sold out.”

Another supporter added: “He’s lost all my respect after this…”

One wrote: “Now he has nothing to say about this unfair awful decision because he is on FOX Sports. Money talks and he shuts up.”

This was echoed by another: “Put money in his account and he will say whatever is needed.”

One fan questioned Ibrahimovic’s integrity: “Zlatan has no spine. Got a gig at an American channel and he will say anything to appease their audience.”

Another added: “Zlatan, who was hyped up as that tough guy, is this. As long as he can make money, he’ll easily betray football.”

Stephanie Lecocq via Reuters

Ibrahimovic’s FOX Sports colleague and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry gave a more honest assessment. He pointed out that he didn’t think it was a red card, but that it changed everything for Belgium’s preparations.

Henry insisted a decision should have been made in the immediate aftermath of USA’s win over Bosnia. Balogun will nonetheless be in action and will most likely start in Tuesday’s game in Seattle, Washington.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed another deal for the summer transfer window as they continue to rebuild their squad for Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs have signed six players so far this summer, bringing in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke arrived for £52m, while Mateus Fernandes joined for £85m and Sandro Tonali signed in a £100m deal.

Luka Vuskovic has been allowed to depart for Brighton in a deal worth £50m plus a sell-on clause, and now the north London side have agreed a deal for another first-team star to move on.

Tottenham Agree Dragusin Deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have agreed a loan with an obligation to buy with Fiorentina for defender Radu Dragusin to depart this summer.

The Romanian, who is known for his blistering speed, asked to leave this club this summer after seeing limited game time last season, while two new centre-back arrivals mean he had fallen even further down the pecking order.

Fiorentina tried to sign him in January but were blocked from doing so, but they have now agreed to pay a £1m loan fee to sign him this summer, with an obligation to buy next year for £15.5m already agreed.

Fiorentina will also cover the centre-back’s wages for the entirety of the 2026/27 season before making the deal permanent next summer.

Dragusin will not travel to Florence early next week to undergo a medical, before putting pen to paper on a contract to bring an end to his two-and-a-half-year spell in north London.

Tottenham Clearing The Squad Out

After making an early splurge to strengthen the squad and bring players in that De Zerbi wants as part of his side for the new season, Spurs are now making an effort to trim the far and clear out the dead wood.

Vuskovic wasn’t in the Italian’s plans and has been allowed to move on, and Dragusin is obviously in exactly the same boat, having fallen behind Romero, Van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Senesi, and Van Hecke in the squad.

More players will almost certainly be allowed to move on between now and the transfer window closing, but Dragusin is someone who won’t be too sorely missed.

Mario Balotelli has named the one player he believes is “maybe” better than Argentina’s World Cup hero Lionel Messi.

Messi continues to roll back the years with sensational performances for his country in the United States, Mexico and Canada. At the age of 39, he continues to carry his nation on his back, firing them into the last 16 with seven goals in just four games.

The footballing world recognises Messi as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, players to ever grace the pitch. The Barcelona icon has won a record-breaking eight Ballons d’Or and made history throughout his illustrious career.

While the Inter Miami forward is heading towards the end of his story, he continues to make an impact on the biggest stage. There’s every chance he becomes a two-time World Cup winner and further cements his legacy as the very best player of all-time.

Mario Balotelli Makes Huge Lionel Messi Claim

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Former Manchester City striker Balotelli is a huge admirer of Messi, whom he’s met as an opponent four times. He said the Argentine operates at a level of unpredictability and speed that “is not normal.”

That said, the former Italy frontman believes another Albiceleste great does rival Messi as the greatest player in history. He told The Late Run:

Diego Maradona is celebrated as a footballing genius who made the beautiful game look easy every time he had the ball at his feet. A charismatic personality, blended with naturally gifted ability, wowed fans throughout his career.

Everything the Argentine icon touched seemed to turn to gold, including his infamous Hand of god goal scored against England at the 1986 World Cup. He captained his country to glory at the tournament, putting in inspired performances and registering five goals and as many assists.

There are similarities between Messi and Maradona, not least their rise to footballing superstardom and their status as heroes in their homeland. They left the opposition dumbfounded by their quick feet and dribbling abilities, something Balotelli touched on when describing the current Argentina skipper:

Maradona thrived as an attacking midfielder for club and country, earning 90 caps for the South Americans, posting 32 goals and 27 assists. His best moments at club level came with Napoli, which named its stadium the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Messi is statistically superior, having broken goalscoring records throughout his career. He is the defending world champions’ all-time top scorer, but Balotelli’s opinion is more focused on the incredible duo’s playing style.

Messi Told He’ll ‘Never be Better than Maradona’

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The GOAT debate is often contested between Messi and longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The younger generation weren’t fortunate enough to watch Maradona and the late great Pele.

Maradona has many supporters who argue that he remains the best player the sport has ever seen. That verdict was given by Argentina’s 1978 World Cup hero Mario Kempes, who claimed back in 2021 that Messi couldn’t displace ‘El Pibe de Oro’:

That is a strong statement given no player in history has won two World Cups in a row, let alone four. Messi is bidding to become the first to deliver back-to-back glory for their nation.