A report announcing the expulsion and lifting of US star Folarin Balogun’s suspension has now linked the incident to possible betting fraud.
The suspension of the 2026 World Cup suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun was already one of the controversial topics during the final.
Now this topic is gaining momentum again, helped by the report of the Copenhagen Group.
This independent network works to detect, punish and prevent manipulation of sporting events and, after careful analysis, has come up with seven indicators of possible match-fixing at the World Cup.
There is a suspicion of insider trading
According to The Athletic, Balogun’s case is also mentioned in the report, which has not yet been officially published.
According to the report: “The results also show that US cryptocurrency prediction market Polymarket launched a betting option on July 2 asking: “Will Folarin Balogun play against Belgium?” opened,” the message says.
“This happened on the same day that the American striker received a red card in the round of 16 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee only confirmed on July 5 that Balogun would be able to play after his suspension was suspended,” the Copenhagen Group said in a report quoted by The Athletic.
This is why insider trading is a problem now. Moreover, for the remaining 14 professionals who received a red card during the World Cup, such betting markets were no longer opened, and the disqualification was not subsequently suspended.
Therefore, the Copenhagen Group sent a formal request to FIFA and requested a written statement on the Balogun case.
To the surprise of the public, the Monaco striker’s suspension was suspended. US President Donald Trump earlier asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino by phone why Tarik Muharemovich was fired for an unintentional kick to the ankle. However, the head of the association rejected any external interference.
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