Sole Decision-Maker Behind Balogun Ruling
The controversial decision to lift the automatic one-game suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was made solely by Mohammad al-Kamali, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, according to a report by The Times of London.
While the FIFA Disciplinary Committee consists of 18 members, al-Kamali—a representative from the United Arab Emirates—acted without input from any of his 17 colleagues. This departure from standard procedure has drawn significant scrutiny, as records from more than 100 prior cases indicate that al-Kamali had never previously acted as the sole arbiter in a disciplinary matter. Typically, such decisions are handled by deputy chairman Jorge Palacio of Colombia, or, in more significant cases, by a panel of three committee members. FIFA has not responded to requests for comment regarding al-Kamali’s unilateral action, and the chairman declined to answer questions from the BBC regarding the ruling.
Presidential Involvement and FIFA’s Response
While reports confirmed that President Trump contacted FIFA regarding the red card, Infantino stated that he received the call as he does with many world leaders and stakeholders. Infantino maintained that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently, asserting that he explained to the President that the case would be handled by the competent authorities. Despite these claims of independence, the timing of the decision—issued one day before the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium—has fueled concerns regarding external influence. President Trump publicly thanked FIFA on social media after the ban was rescinded, labeling the original suspension a “great injustice.” Infantino is currently facing an ethics complaint regarding the matter.
Legal Basis and Historical Context
FIFA justified the decision by citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows a judicial body to “fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.” Under this provision, Balogun’s red-card suspension was not rescinded but rather suspended for a one-year probationary period. If Balogun commits a similar infringement during this year, the original one-game ban will be enforced. Additionally, Balogun was issued a $40,000 fine.
The decision to allow a player to participate after receiving a red card is exceptionally rare in World Cup history. Prior to this ruling, the only other known instance involved Brazil’s Garrincha, who was cleared to play in the 1962 final after being sent off in the semifinal. FIFA previously utilized Article 27 to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to avoid a suspension for the start of a World Cup, though that case involved a multi-match ban where the final two games were suspended.
For more on this story, see One Person Decided Balogun’s Fate, Bypassing 17 Committee Members.
Global Outcry and Tournament Impact
The ruling sparked immediate backlash from the international soccer community. The European governing body, UEFA, issued a statement expressing “disbelief,” characterizing the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” The Royal Belgian Football Association also registered its opposition, stating it was “astonished” by the move and noting that the decision appeared to contradict competition regulations. Belgium formally appealed the ruling, but FIFA denied the request. With Balogun on the field, the United States was defeated by Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16 match held in Seattle.
Key Facts Regarding the Balogun Ruling
| Detail | Information |
| :— | :— |
| Decision-Maker | Mohammad al-Kamali (FIFA Disciplinary Chair) |
| Legal Basis | Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code |
| Sanction Outcome | One-game ban suspended for a one-year probationary period |
| Additional Penalty | $40,000 fine issued to Balogun |
| Match Result | Belgium defeated USA 4-1 |
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