Fifa disciplinary chief refuses to answer BBC questions on Balogun ban
7 reported3 unconfirmed
The head of Fifa’s disciplinary committee declined to answer BBC questions about why United States striker Folarin Balogun avoided a ban after being sent off for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Balogun, 25, should have received a two-game suspension, but the committee waived the ban, a decision that prompted widespread condemnation, particularly after reports that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa about the sanction. In a similar case, England’s Jarell Quansah was shown a red card for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo during England’s 3-2 win over Mexico, and the same committee ruled he should serve a two-match ban. 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, asking whether the Fifa president had requested the ban be suspended and why Quansah received a different outcome. Al Kamali did not answer any of the questions. Fifa later released an 871-word statement stressing the decision was made after “considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available,” but did not detail what those circumstances were.
What’s reported
Folarin Balogun, 25, was sent off for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina and should have received a two-game ban.
Fifa’s disciplinary committee waived the ban, prompting widespread condemnation.
US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa about Balogun’s sanction.
England’s Jarell Quansah was shown a red card for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo in England’s 3-2 win over Mexico and received a two-match ban from the same committee.
BBC sports editor Dan Roan asked Mohammad al Kamali, chair of Fifa’s disciplinary committee, multiple questions about the Balogun decision and Quansah’s suspension.
Al Kamali refused to answer any questions.
Fifa released an 871-word statement saying the decision was made after considering all specific circumstances and evidence, but did not specify what those were.
Open questions
Why the committee waived Balogun’s ban while Quansah received a two-match suspension.
Whether the Fifa president was involved in the decision.
What specific circumstances or evidence were considered in Balogun’s case.
Key figures
Folarin Balogun, United States striker
Jarell Quansah, England player
Mohammad al Kamali, chair of Fifa’s disciplinary committee
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor
Donald Trump, US President
Sources: BBC News
