FIFA disciplinary chief dodges broadcaster questions over Quansah ban controversy

The head of FIFA’s disciplinary committee has refused to answer broadcaster questions about why England defender Jarell Quansah was suspended for two World Cup matches while United States forward Folarin Balogun had his ban waived. Quansah, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo in England’s 3-2 group-stage win. The incident was deemed serious foul play, leading to an automatic one-game suspension plus an extra match handed down by the committee. However, Balogun, who was also shown a straight red card for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina, should have received the same two-game ban. Instead, the committee opted to waive his suspension entirely. That decision sparked widespread criticism, particularly after reports emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA on Balogun’s behalf. sourcess editor Dan Roan approached Mohammad al Kamali, the committee’s chair, as he arrived for England’s quarterfinal against Norway on Saturday. Roan asked whether al Kamali had been pressured by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to overturn Balogun’s ban, and why Quansah received a harsher punishment. Al Kamali declined to answer any of the questions and walked away without comment. FIFA later issued an 871-word statement defending the Balogun decision, saying it was taken after “considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available,” but offered no specifics about what those circumstances were.