FIFA Disciplinary Chairman Alone Reverses US Player’s World Cup Suspension

Mohammad Al Kamali, chairman of FIFA's disciplinary committee, personally decided to lift the automatic suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun before the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. Despite the committee having 18 members, none were consulted or involved in this unprecedented decision, which allowed Balogun to play despite receiving a red card in the previous match against Bosnia.

Al Kamali, a lawyer and former UAE parliament member, exercised his authority under FIFA's disciplinary code to handle the case alone without convening the full committee or holding a vote. FIFA cited internal regulations permitting such unilateral action and did not provide detailed public explanations, sparking criticism over transparency.

The controversy deepened amid reports that US President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino three times to urge a review of Balogun's suspension. Trump publicly confirmed his intervention, arguing the red card was unjust and that punishing a player for a future match was illogical. Infantino has defended FIFA's judicial independence, but the revelation that only Al Kamali made the decision reignited doubts about external influence and procedural fairness.

Ultimately, the US lost 4-1 to Belgium and was eliminated from the tournament. The Belgian team and fans mocked the controversy on social media, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding Balogun's eligibility. This episode has intensified scrutiny of FIFA's disciplinary processes and the role of political pressure in sports governance.