Balogun no isolated case! How FIFA 'skewed' a 1962 World Cup final

Balogun no isolated case! How FIFA “skewed” a 1962 World Cup final revisits how FIFA handled red-card fallout historically, drawing a parallel after Florian Balogun’s new suspension status. FIFA officially announced that Balogun’s red card has been suspended on probation, meaning the American can play the Round of 16 against Belgium despite being sent off in the Round of 32 versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. The article notes the decision followed a direct call from the White House, citing journalist Ben Jacobs, and says FIFA received pressure before the ruling. It then looks back to the 1962 World Cup, when Garrincha was also cleared to play the final after a red card in the semifinal against Chile, despite being sent off for violent conduct. After Pelé’s injury, Garrincha—despite playing with a cold and fever—helped Brazil win 3-1 over Czechoslovakia, implying no “superstar” scenario would be accepted.