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

How 3 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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By אדם מיכלשווילי

First reported by Ynet · Jul 13, 2026

What happened

Mohammad Al Kamali, FIFA disciplinary chairman, single-handedly overturned US player Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium. The decision bypassed the full 18-member committee and followed pressure from US President Donald Trump. The US lost the match, but the case raised questions about FIFA's transparency and political influence.

01Mohammad Al Kamali alone reversed Folarin Balogun's suspension before the US-Belgium World Cup match.
02The 18-member FIFA disciplinary committee was not consulted on the decision.
03Al Kamali used his authority under FIFA rules to act without a committee vote.
04US President Donald Trump reportedly pressured FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the suspension.
05FIFA cited internal regulations and did not fully explain the decision publicly.
06The US lost 4-1 to Belgium and was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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