The head of Fifa's disciplinary committee has refused to answer BBC questions about the decision-making process which led to United States striker Folarin Balogun avoiding a ban af
The report indicates that the head of Fifa’s disciplinary committee has refused to answer BBC questions about the decision-making process which led to United States striker Folarin Balogun avoiding a ban after being sent off.
It further notes that balogun, 25, was dismissed for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He should have received a two-game ban.
However, Fifa’s disciplinary committee waived a ban – a decision that prompted widespread condemnation, particularly when it emerged US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa about the American’s sanction.
England’s Jarell Quansah was similarly shown a red card in England’s 3-2 win over Mexico following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo and the same committee ruled he should serve a two-match ban.
It was classified as serious foul play, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen player was handed an additional match on top of the automatic one-game suspension imposed by Fifa.
BBC sports editor Dan Roan confronted Mohammad al Kamali, the chair of Fifa’s disciplinary committee, as he arrived for England’s quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. He asked:
However, Al Kamali would not answer any of the questions.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has previously denied having influence over disciplinary decisions.
“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent,” he said. “They operate autonomously… Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.”
Fifa released an 871-word statement following the Balogun decision, stressing that it was made after “considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available” – but without detailing what had been taken into account.
