Mohammad al-Kamali, president of the FIFA disciplinary commission, unilaterally overturned a red card for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, according to The Times. The decision allowed Balogun to play in the round of 16 against Belgium, despite the red card received during a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32.
FIFA Disciplinary Process and the Balogun Red Card
The Times reports that al-Kamali made the decision to cancel the red card without consulting any of the 17 other members of the disciplinary commission.
This administrative move followed a direct request from U.S. President Donald Trump, who asked for the Monaco forward’s red card to be re-examined. While FIFA and al-Kamali attempted to justify the decision after the fact, the lack of committee consensus remains a point of contention.
Did you know? Folarin Balogun plays his club football for AS Monaco.
Impact on U.S. Performance Against Belgium
Despite the intervention to ensure Balogun’s availability, the U.S. national team was eliminated in the round of 16. The “Red Devils” of Belgium defeated the United States 4-1, ending the American run in the tournament.
Balogun’s presence on the pitch did not translate into offensive dominance. Balogun played 89 minutes of the match but struggled to make an impact, recording only three shots with a single shot on target.
Statistical Breakdown: Balogun’s Round of 16 Appearance
| Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 89 |
| Total Shots | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 1 |
Precedents of Political Influence in Sport
Frequently Asked Questions
Who overturned Folarin Balogun’s red card?
Mohammad al-Kamali, the president of the FIFA disciplinary commission, overturned the card.
Was the FIFA commission consulted on the decision?
No. According to The Times, none of the other 17 members of the commission were consulted.
Did the U.S. win the match after Balogun returned?
No. The U.S. lost 4-1 to Belgium and was eliminated from the tournament.
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