UAE official’s move to lift ban after Trump request sparks UEFA fury
The Times has reported that the Emirati chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee “solely” decided to overturn Folarin Balogun’s ban, causing a furious backlash in Europe.
Balogun, widely regarded as the USA’s leading scorer, had received a straight red card for serious foul play, which usually carries a two-match ban.
Mohammad al-Kamali, chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee, removed the ban, allowing Balogun to play in the host nation’s round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium.
According to a report in the Times on Sunday, Kamali acted on his own in removing the FIFA suspension, without involving any of the 17 other members of the disciplinary committee.
Balogun had received the red card for stepping dangerously on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia in a 2-0 win for the host.
US President Donald Trump announced that the removal of Balogun’s ban followed his request to FIFA to review the matter.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, protested at the removal of the ban.
It said overturning Balogun’s suspension is an “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” act by FIFA.
Despite overturning the Balogun ban, Belgium beat the USA 4-1, with some commentators suggesting they were spurred on by anger at FIFA’s decision.
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