13.07.2026 16:10
The last-minute suspension of red card punishment for US striker Folarin Balogun, competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has sparked a new debate within FIFA. It is alleged that the decision was made solely by the committee chair without informing other members of the Disciplinary Committee.
A last-minute postponement of the red card penalty for Folarin Balogun, the striker wearing the US National Team jersey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has turned into a major crisis shaking the football world. In a process rocked by allegations of rule-breaking, it has been claimed that the decision to annul the penalty was taken solely by the committee chair, hidden from other members of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
A FIRST IN TOURNAMENT HISTORY: SAW RED, PLAYED THE MATCH
Folarin Balogun, who received a direct red card in the match where the US defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 16, should have been suspended under FIFA rules for the quarterfinal match against Belgium. However, with less than 48 hours before the match, FIFA stepped in with an unexpected decision to suspend the penalty. Thus, for the first time in World Cup history, a player who received a direct red card was allowed to take the field in the very next knockout match.
BOMBSHELL ALLEGATION BEHIND THE PENALTY REMOVAL
According to a claim by the British press, The Times; this critical decision, which brought what amounts to a "special pardon" for Balogun, was unilaterally made by FIFA Disciplinary Committee Chair Mohammad Al-Kamali. It was stated that the other 17 members of the committee were not informed about this decision and were not included in the process. Although individual members have had decision-making authority in smaller disciplinary cases in the past, major decisions affecting the fate of organizations like the World Cup required the joint approval of at least three members. The fact that Al-Kamali had never signed off alone on more than 100 previous disciplinary cases has increased the question marks behind this decision.
TRUMP AND INFANTINO'S MEETING RAISES SUSPICIONS
Just before this scandal broke, US President Donald Trump announced that he had a phone call with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, discussing the Balogun case, casting a shadow of political interference over the controversies. The football community, led by UEFA, has reacted by arguing that this situation deals a heavy blow to the principles of justice and equality in football.