Fifa official refuses to answer BBC's ban questions
Fifa disciplinary chairman Mohammad al Kamali refused to answer questions regarding the inconsistent suspension rulings for England's Jarell Quansah and the US's Folarin Balogun. The controversy is heightened by reports of political lobbying by the US government regarding the Balogun case.
Why it matters
This highlights concerns over transparency and political influence within international sports governing bodies.
Figure caption, Fifa disciplinary chairman refuses to answer questions
The head of Fifa's disciplinary committee has refused to answer BBC questions about the decision-making process which led to England's Jarell Quansah being banned for two World Cup games.
Defender Quansah was sent off in England's 3-2 win over Mexico following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
It was classed as serious foul play, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen player was handed an extra match on top of the automatic one-game suspension by Fifa.
But the same committee waived a ban for United States forward Folarin Balogun, who was sent off for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He should also have received a ban for two games.
That decision prompted widespread condemnation - particularly when it emerged US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa about the American's ban.
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