FIFA Chairman Alone Reverses US Player's Red Card Ahead of 2026 World Cup Round of 16

The controversy surrounding the reversal of the red card given to US forward Paul Arriola during the 2026 World Cup continues to draw global media attention. According to a report by the British newspaper The Times, the decision to allow Arriola to play in the round of 16 match against Belgium was made solely by Mohamed Al Kamali, chairman of FIFA's Disciplinary Committee, rather than by the full 18-member committee. Al Kamali, a lawyer and former UAE parliament member, exercised his authority under FIFA regulations to make the ruling independently, without consulting or voting with other committee members.

FIFA has yet to disclose the legal basis or detailed reasoning behind the red card cancellation, issuing only a brief statement that the decision followed "a comprehensive review of the circumstances and evidence." The federation emphasized it is not obligated to reveal full explanations for disciplinary committee decisions. This process has sparked criticism, especially compared to UEFA tournaments where red card appeals are reviewed by a panel of judges and refereeing experts, whereas FIFA permits the committee chair to decide alone.

Arriola had been sent off in the knockout stage match against Bosnia but, just one day before facing Belgium, FIFA suspended his suspension under Article 27 of the disciplinary code, enabling him to start the game. Prior to the Belgium match, media outlets reported that US President Donald Trump had spoken three times with FIFA President Gianni Infantino following Arriola’s red card. Shortly after, the suspension was overturned, fueling allegations of political interference. Trump acknowledged speaking with Infantino but denied requesting the card’s cancellation. Infantino confirmed the calls but stressed the decision was made solely by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies according to established procedures.

Despite the reversal, the US lost 4-1 to Belgium and was eliminated from the tournament. The Belgian team added fuel to the fire post-match when striker Romelu Lukaku mocked Trump during celebrations, and the Belgian Football Association posted a sarcastic message on social media telling FIFA to "cancel that too."