FIFA's controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-game ban was reportedly made solely by the chairman of its disciplinary committee, without consulting the other 17 members. USA striker Balogun had been shown a straight red card during his country's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16, and was set to be banned for their World Cup quarter-final against Belgium.
With less than 48 hours until kick-off, FIFA deferred Balogun's punishment, making him eligible to face Belgium. This unprecedented decision sparked fierce backlash, with UEFA accusing FIFA of 'crossing a red line' in a strongly-worded statement. Balogun, the USA's top goalscorer at the World Cup, started the quarter-final in Seattle as they fell to a 4-1 defeat.
Single Committee Member Made the Call
According to The Times, only one official, specifically the chairman of FIFA's disciplinary committee, was responsible for the decision. Mohammad al-Kamali of the United Arab Emirates reportedly made the call to lift Balogun's ban, while the other 17 members of its committee were not asked to be involved. It is noted that many previous FIFA disciplinary cases were decided by a single committee member, normally the deputy chairman, Jorge Palacio of Colombia. However, published findings of more than 100 other cases show that al-Kamali has never been the sole arbiter. Significant cases often involve three committee members making a joint decision. This is the first time in World Cup history that a player has received a red card and not been automatically suspended for the next round.
Trump's Phone Call Adds Fuel
United States President Donald Trump added fuel to the fire on the eve of the game by revealing that he had spoken to FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino about the red card. Infantino insists that the phone call had no bearing on the outcome. Infantino released a statement saying: 'I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA's governance. FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.'
Infantino added: 'Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.'
He concluded: 'I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree. What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.'
Mirror Football has contacted FIFA for comment. Kamali refused to comment when approached by the BBC on Saturday ahead of England's win against Norway.
