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FIFA disciplinary committee chairman Mohammad Al Kamali has declined to answer questions from the BBC regarding the decision to overturn United States striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension.
The controversy has continued to attract criticism after Balogun was allowed to play despite receiving a red card for serious foul play during the United States’ round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Official offers no explanation
Balogun, 25, was expected to serve a suspension after being sent off, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee instead suspended the sanction, allowing him to feature in the United States’ last-16 defeat to Belgium.
The decision raised questions, particularly after reports emerged that United States President Donald Trump and senior White House officials had lobbied FIFA over the punishment.
BBC sports editor Dan Roan approached Al Kamali before England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, seeking clarification on the disciplinary process.
Among the questions asked were whether FIFA president Gianni Infantino had requested the committee to suspend Balogun’s ban and why England defender Jarell Quansah received a different punishment for a similar offence.
Al Kamali did not respond to any of the questions as he entered the stadium.
Different rulings fuel debate
The controversy has intensified following Quansah’s dismissal during England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico.
The Bayer Leverkusen defender was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, with FIFA classifying the incident as serious foul play.
He received a two-match suspension, including an additional game beyond the automatic one-match ban.
The contrasting disciplinary outcomes have prompted fresh talks over consistency in FIFA’s decision-making during the tournament.
Following criticism over the Balogun case, FIFA released an 871-word statement explaining that the ruling was reached after “considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available.”
However, the governing body did not specify the evidence or circumstances that led to the suspension of the striker’s ban, leaving questions over the process unanswered.