Petition to FIFA: Protect Fair Play – Apply the Rules Equally at the FIFA World Cup

Fair Play Cannot Be Optional
Football is built on one fundamental principle: the same rules must apply to every team.

We, the undersigned fans, players, coaches and supporters of the game, call on FIFA to respect its own regulations and ensure that disciplinary rules are applied consistently and fairly to all nations.

Following the decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium despite having received a red card in the previous match, serious concerns have been raised about the integrity of the competition.

According to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations (Article 10.5):

"If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed."
This automatic suspension has been consistently applied throughout the tournament and was reiterated to all participating associations before the competition.

Changing the application of this rule at such a crucial stage of the tournament creates uncertainty and undermines confidence in the competition.

What We Ask
We respectfully call on FIFA to:

Apply its disciplinary regulations equally to every team and every player.
Respect the principle that a red card results in an automatic suspension for the next match, as stated in the FIFA World Cup Regulations.
Provide a full public explanation of the legal basis for any exception made to this rule.
Strengthen transparency and consistency in disciplinary decisions to protect the credibility of international football.
This Is Bigger Than One Match
This petition is not about supporting Belgium or opposing the United States.

It is about defending the integrity of football.

Regardless of which team we support, every fan deserves a World Cup where results are decided on the pitch—not by inconsistent interpretations of the rules.

Fair play, equal treatment and trust in the competition are values that belong to everyone.

If FIFA expects players, coaches and referees to respect the rules, FIFA must hold itself to the same standard.

Sign this petition if you believe football deserves transparent, consistent and equal application of the rules for every nation.