Fifa official refuses to answer BBC's Balogun ban questions

The head of Fifa's disciplinary committee has refused to answer BBC questions about the decision-making process which led to United States striker Folarin Balogun avoiding a ban after being sent off.

Balogun, 25, was dismissed for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He should have received a ban for two games.

However, Fifa's disciplinary committee waived a ban - a decision that prompted widespread condemnation, particularly when it emerged US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa about the American's sanction.

England's Jarell Quansah was similarly shown a red card in England's 3-2 win over Mexico following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo and the same committee ruled he should serve a two-match ban.

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.

BBC sports editor Dan Roan confronted Mohammad al Kamali, the chair of Fifa's disciplinary committee, as he arrived for England's quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. He asked:

However, Al Kamali would not answer any of the questions.

Fifa released an 871-word statement following the Balogun decision to stress it was made after "considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available" - but without detailing what had been taken into account.