Fresh controversy has engulfed FIFA after a shock report about how USA star Folarin Balogun’s suspension was frozen.
Meanwhile, Argentina great Lionel Messi prepares to make incredible history in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against England.
All that and more in the latest edition of World Cup Daily!
FIFA chairman acted alone in Folarin Balogun ban decision
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension has taken another dramatic twist, with reports claiming the decision to freeze the USA striker’s automatic ban was made solely by the chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee, and without the involvement of the panel’s other 17 members.
Mohammad Al-Kamali of the United Arab Emirates reportedly made the ruling according to The Times, despite it breaking from previous World Cup disciplinary precedent, where players shown a red card automatically serve a suspension.
The revelation has intensified scrutiny of FIFA and the integrity of its disciplinary process.
Balogun was initially handed a one-match suspension after being sent off for serious foul play, an offence that typically carries a two-match ban. However, Al-Kamali deferred the suspension for a probationary period of one year, allowing the USA forward to feature in his side’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium, which the Americans lost 4-1.
The controversy deepened after US President Donald Trump claimed he had asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the decision.
“I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. All I did was ask for a review, I didn’t say you have to do this. I can’t tell them what to do,” Trump said.
Trump later described FIFA’s decision to overturn the ban as a “really brilliant decision”, maintained the incident “was not a foul” and questioned the Brazilian referee’s call, saying he “is a little bit suspect”.
Infantino insisted he had no influence over the disciplinary outcome, saying he regularly speaks with heads of state but does not intervene in decisions made by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies.
“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent,” Infantino said.
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“They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football.”
UEFA criticised FIFA’s handling of the matter, saying the governing body had crossed a “red line”, while former FIFA president Sepp Blatter warned: “Football must never become a playground for political power.”
While previous FIFA disciplinary cases have occasionally been decided by a single committee member, those rulings have typically been made by deputy chairman Jorge Palacio of Colombia.
According to published findings from more than 100 previous cases, this is the first known instance of Al-Kamali acting as the sole decision-maker.
FIFA has also declined to publish the written reasons behind Balogun’s reprieve, further fuelling the controversy. It is understood to be the first time since automatic suspensions for red cards were introduced that one has been overturned.
Lionel Messi to face England for first time in World Cup semi-final
Lionel Messi has faced the world’s biggest football nations throughout his legendary international career. But despite more than 200 appearances for Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has never played England – until now.
Argentina and England will meet in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, with Golden Boot co-leader Messi set to face the Three Lions for the first time.
It was a milestone that almost never came, with Switzerland threatening to end Argentina’s World Cup campaign before Lionel Scaloni’s side eventually prevailed 3-1 after extra time.
Despite the victory, Messi was held scoreless for the first time this tournament after opening the campaign with eight goals.
Former England defender and BBC pundit Micah Richards believes Messi remains Argentina’s biggest threat despite his limited defensive workload.
“England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited,” said Richards to BBC Sports.
“Marking him is impossible because he doesn’t run back. He goes into little spaces where he shouldn’t really be. He switches on at the right times [and] he’s got the best technique. His spatial awareness is fantastic. He’s got a great shot.
“Most importantly, he’s got what Jude’s [Bellingham] got and that’s what makes Jude so great, he’s got personality and aura.
“Messi has the most aura out of any footballer. Messi’s aura is just next level, so it’s going to be interesting,” Richards added.
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Former England striker Wayne Rooney echoed Richards’ sentiments, highlighting Messi’s lack of defensive work but warning of his unmatched ability to decide matches in an instant.
“He can be a weakness defensively for Argentina,” Rooney said.
“He doesn’t run back, but he has big moments a bit like with Jude Bellingham. He has big moments and moments of quality. The thing with Messi is his decision-making – he comes to life in moments of the game and he makes the right decision.
“Marking Lionel Messi is about concentration and communication. Communicating with your teammates about picking up positions you might not usually pick up.”
Thursday’s semi-final shapes as one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. It will renew one of football’s fiercest rivalries, from Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card at the 1998 World Cup.
Now, another chapter is about to be written as Messi finally gets the chance to face England on the biggest stage of all.