FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun suspension lifted by single FIFA member, sparking controversy

A decision by FIFA's disciplinary committee to lift a player's suspension has ignited controversy, with revelations that the unprecedented move was made by a single individual.

Folarin Balogun, an attacker for the U.S. national team, had been suspended for a previous match. However, FIFA ultimately overturned the ban, allowing him to play in the next game. This decision has drawn significant criticism, particularly after reports surfaced suggesting a potential connection to Donald Trump, who reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the initial suspension.

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The decision of FIFA to lift the automatic suspension of Folarin Balogun was made by a single person: the chairman of the committee, Mohammad Al Kamali. None of the other 17 members of the committee were consulted.

While the U.S. president maintained he only asked for a review and not a change in the decision, the situation has fueled debate. FIFA attempted to quell the discussions, stating the decision was made independently by the disciplinary committee in accordance with its code of conduct. However, new details have raised further questions about the process.

According to a report in The Times, the FIFA disciplinary committee, comprising 18 members, saw its chairman, Mohammad Al Kamali of the UAE, unilaterally decide to lift Balogun's automatic ban. Crucially, none of the other 17 members were consulted on this unprecedented action. This raises concerns about transparency and the established procedures within FIFA's disciplinary processes.

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There are 18 members of FIFA’s disciplinary committee but the unprecedented decision to lift Balogun’s automatic ban was taken by just one person – the chairman Mohammad Al Kamali of UAE. No one else was consulted.