New Details Emerge Regarding Folarin Balogun’s 2016 World Cup Pardon
The decision to pardon Folarin Balogun’s expulsion ahead of the United States vs. Belgium Round of 16 match remains one of the most impactful episodes of the 2016 World Cup. Today, new information continues to surface regarding the controversial ruling.
A report by The Times identifies Mohammad Al-Kamali, president of the FIFA disciplinary commission, as the official behind the decision. Al-Kamali, who resides in the United Arab Emirates, acted unilaterally in the matter.
The scandal persists as the report claims the decision bypassed the proper committee procedures. Al-Kamali reportedly made the choice without consulting the other seventeen members of the commission.
“Mohammad Al-Kamali, president of FIFA’s disciplinary commission, made the controversial decision to overturn the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun without the other seventeen members of the commission taking part in the matter,” The Times reports.
UEFA officials described the move as “unfair and unacceptable.” Reports also indicate that the intervention of United States President Donald Trump is currently being discussed in relation to the case.