Even with the United States' elimination from the World Cup, controversy continues to surround FIFA's decision to suspend the match ban for Folarin Balogun. New details indicate that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee chairman, Mohammad al-Kamali of the United Arab Emirates, made the decision independently, without input from the other 17 committee members, according to a report by The Times.
This revelation adds to the scrutiny over the decision and raises further questions about its justification. Balogun, who was a key player for the U.S. men's national team during the tournament, did not have a significant impact in the team's Round of 16 loss to Belgium. He had received a red card for a contentious play during the United States' victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, which typically results in an automatic one-match suspension.
Al-Kamali initially issued the one-match ban but then deferred it for a probationary period of one year, allowing Balogun to participate in the match against Belgium. When approached by the BBC over the weekend, al-Kamali declined to answer questions regarding the decision.
FIFA has not yet commented on The Times' report. The decision to waive the automatic ban had already caused ripples among other nations and fans, a situation amplified when President Donald Trump stated he had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the initial red card. Trump told reporters he had asked Infantino to review the card but did not dictate a specific outcome.
Infantino confirmed in a statement that he regularly discusses World Cup matters with heads of state, including President Trump. He explained that during their conversation, he informed Trump that the matter was under review by FIFA's independent judicial bodies and would be decided by the competent authorities. Infantino emphasized that this process adheres to FIFA's established system.
Infantino himself is reportedly facing an ethics complaint related to the incident and President Trump's potential involvement.