Fifa official refuses to answer BBC's ban questions

The head of Fifa's disciplinary committee has refused to address questions from the BBC concerning the rationale behind player suspensions, specifically highlighting a discrepancy in bans issued to Jarell Quansah of England and Folarin Balogun of the United States.

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Can we ask about the Balogun suspension and whether or not you were asked by the Fifa president to suspend that ban?

Defender Quansah received a two-match ban for serious foul play following his red card in England's match against Mexico. However, the same committee waived a ban for U.S. forward Balogun, who was also sent off for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina and should have faced a similar two-game suspension.

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Can you tell us anything about that at all?

This decision sparked significant criticism, particularly after reports emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa regarding Balogun's ban. BBC sports editor Dan Roan attempted to question Mohammad al Kamali, the chair of Fifa's disciplinary committee, about the Balogun suspension and potential White House influence, as well as the reasoning behind Quansah's two-match ban.

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Can you tell us anything about that at all or why Jarell Quansah was given a two-match suspension?

Al Kamali, however, remained silent and refused to answer any of the questions posed. Fifa had previously released a statement after the Balogun decision, asserting it was made after considering "all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available," but did not provide specific details.

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Can you make any comment about the way it's been portrayed or reported on?