FIFA committee head unilaterally overturns Balogun red card

On July 12, 2026, it was reported that Mohammad Al Kamali, chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee, made a unilateral decision to cancel the automatic ban of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. Despite the committee consisting of 18 members, none were consulted regarding the decision. Balogun had received a red card for a serious foul, which typically carries a mandatory two-match suspension. Instead, Al Kamali imposed a one-match ban but suspended it for a one-year probationary period. This allowed Balogun to participate in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. UEFA has publicly criticized the decision, labeling it unprecedented and unjustifiable. Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have requested the lifting of the ban during a call with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.