The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s eligibility during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken another turn, with a new report claiming that the decision to overturn the USA forward’s suspension was made by a single FIFA official rather than the full disciplinary panel.

The issue has remained in focus even after the United States were knocked out of the tournament following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16. Balogun was initially suspended after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 but was later cleared to play in the knockout match.

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Australia’s Harry Souttar in action with Folarin Balogun of the US during FIFA | File image/ANI

Report says committee was not consulted

According to The Times, FIFA Disciplinary Committee chairman Mohammad Al Kamali of the United Arab Emirates acted without consulting the committee’s other 17 members before reversing the punishment.

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The report said Al Kamali had first imposed the automatic one-match suspension before later replacing it with a one-year probation. That decision made Balogun available for selection against Belgium.

The matter drew further attention after the BBC reportedly tried to question Al Kamali about the decision. According to the report, the FIFA disciplinary chief did not respond and walked past a reporter and cameraman without commenting.

Trump calls added to controversy

Earlier this month, several media reports claimed that US President Donald Trump had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino three times after Balogun’s dismissal. FIFA later overturned the suspension, leading to criticism and allegations of political influence.

Trump later confirmed he had contacted Infantino but denied asking for the suspension to be revoked.

Infantino also acknowledged the conversation, saying, “Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues.”

He added, “During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.”

USA exit, Belgium’s jibe

Balogun returned to the starting line-up for the Round-of-16 fixture, but the USA were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Belgium and exited the World Cup.

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After the match, Belgium’s players, led by Romelu Lukaku, appeared to mock Trump during their celebrations. The Belgian football federation also posted a message on social media after the victory that read, “Overturn this.”

FAQs:

Why is Folarin Balogun’s suspension controversial?

A report claims one FIFA official overturned his ban without consulting the full disciplinary committee.

Did Donald Trump ask FIFA to overturn Balogun’s suspension?

Trump said he spoke to Gianni Infantino but denied asking for the suspension to be overturned.