Why FIFA Keeps Lifting Red Card Bans for Balogun, Ronaldo and More

FIFA stunned fans by overturning Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension after his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, clearing him to face Belgium in the round of 16. Critics accuse FIFA president Gianni Infantino of bowing to external pressure, pointing to past favors for political leaders and tweets from the White House congratulating the decision. This isn’t new. Earlier this cycle, FIFA deferred bans on Cristiano Ronaldo after a qualifier, Nicolás Otamendi and Moisés Caicedo so they could start the tournament. The practice dates back to 1962, when Brazil’s Garrincha was cleared to play the final under government influence. Mauricio Pochettino’s Americans will now benefit from Balogun’s availability when they face Rudi Garcia’s Belgium side in Atlanta.

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