Folarin Balogun, 25, a United States forward, was shown a straight red on July 1 after stamping on Tarik Muharemović, reviewed by VAR in Santa Clara. He was set to miss the round of 16 against Belgium.
But FIFA announced that his suspension is on hold for a one-year probation period, and he will be able to play on Monday in Seattle.
The problem is what happened in between: Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the case, and then celebrated on social media “the great injustice reversed”.
Belgium is already preparing a formal appeal, and UEFA accused FIFA of “crossing a red line” with a decision unprecedented in more than 60 years of World Cups.
Was it sporting justice or a political favor disguised as a regulation?