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FIFA's Al-Kamali makes controversial call on Balogun red card exclusion

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 12:49 AM

Last updated Jul 13, 2026

FIFA's Al-Kamali makes controversial call on Balogun red card exclusion

Summary

Folarin Balogun's suspension was overturned ahead of the United States vs. Belgium Round of 16 match during the 2016 World Cup. The decision was made by Mohammad Al-Kamali, president of FIFA's disciplinary commission, but the action reportedly did not involve the other seventeen members of the committee. UEFA criticized the decision as "unfair and unacceptable". Discussions also mention the influence of United States President Donald Trump on this matter, indicating ongoing controversy surrounding the event.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Folarin Balogun's suspension was pardoned ahead of a crucial World Cup match.
•Mohammad Al-Kamali made the controversial decision unilaterally.
•UEFA has described the decision as unfair and unacceptable.
•Reports suggest involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump in the decision-making.

Latest Updates

12:49 AMYahoo Sports — 🚨 The scandal rolls on! The man behind Balogun avoiding a red emerges

What they're saying

"
The pardon of Folarin Balogun’s expulsion ahead of the United States vs. Belgium Round of 16 match was one of the episodes that caused the biggest impact during the 2016 World Cup. And today, more i...
— Yahoo Sports

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