FIFA chief's unilateral decision cleared US striker Balogun's red-card ban, report says

The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Kamali, personally overturned a match suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to a report in the Times of London. The newspaper said the 18-member disciplinary panel was convened to consider the case but the final ruling was made individually by Al-Kamali. Balogun, a 25-year-old forward at AS Monaco, was sent off in a group-stage match but was permitted to play in the United States' 4-1 round-of-16 loss to Belgium. The decision has drawn criticism in football circles. US President Donald Trump said he held a personal meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for the suspension to be reviewed, telling reporters he did not order the ban lifted directly but requested a further look at video of the incident. FIFA has said the decision was reached independently.