Balogun, Garrincha and Pinochet: FIFA’s controversial World Cup decisions
Summary
FIFA allowed U.S. player Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match despite his red card in the previous game, after President Donald Trump contacted FIFA’s chief. This decision caused criticism from Belgium’s football association and UEFA, who said political interference hurts the tournament’s fairness. The article also reviews past controversial FIFA World Cup incidents involving rule breaks and political influence.Key Facts
- Folarin Balogun was given permission to play against Belgium despite receiving a red card in the previous match.
- FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban after President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- Infantino awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw, bypassing FIFA’s usual council.
- Belgium’s football association and UEFA criticized FIFA’s decision as harmful to the tournament’s integrity.
- The article recounts past FIFA controversies, such as a referee ending a 1930 World Cup match early and a Brazilian player, Garrincha, being allowed to play after a red card in 1962 due to political pressure.
- It also mentions a 1973 World Cup qualifier involving Chile under Pinochet’s military regime, highlighting political issues affecting football events.
- Balogun plays for Monaco and is the U.S. team’s leading scorer at this World Cup with three goals.
- FIFA has a history of controversial decisions and political involvement in World Cup matches.
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