1 hour ago, PhilH930 said:

What a night. One we’ll always talk about.

Massive game with Portugal vs Spain today, but have to think Spain will have too much for the Portuguese. Then onto the controversial game later. Part of me wonders if Poch won’t pick Balogun to uphold morals. Highly unlikely but would be quite the plot twist.

Poch has already said the RC was a wrong call. He'll fall into line.

Has any other player had a ban suspended to play at the World Cup?

There has not been a World Cup reprieve quite the same as Ronaldo's, where a three-match ban has remained in place but partially suspended.

But there several other examples of Fifa looking kindly upon players, reducing their ban from the mandatory punishment.

The World Cup finals are the pinnacle of most players' careers. Articles 25 and 27 give Fifa the freedom to consider the merits and impact of a suspension. And it's not only been about star players.

In 2014, France defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off for slapping Ukraine's Oleksandr Kucher in the first leg of the World Cup play-off.

Like Ronaldo, Koscielny was automatically banned for his country's final qualifying fixture. Fifa then chose not to extend the Arsenal centre-back's suspension beyond one match, allowing him to play at the World Cup.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic should have missed the opening two games of the 2014 finals after he was sent off for serious foul play in the second leg of the play-off win over Iceland.

Fifa gave him a one-game ban, meaning he could play the second match against Cameroon - a 4-0 win in which he scored twice.

Towards the end of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, Netherlands midfielder Phillip Cocu was sent off for an alleged retaliatory elbow on an Albania player.

Fifa chose to ban Cocu for two matches, meaning he missed the final Uefa qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Macedonia, but was free for the opening match of the World Cup.

Japan's Makoto Hasebe was sent off for an elbow at the end of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and like Cocu was given two matches. He was not so lucky, however, as the second match was the first game of the World Cup.

Likewise, Iran's Saeid Ezatolahi was sent off for bringing his boot down on the head of an opponent in their penultimate qualifier. Fifa chose to give the midfielder two games rather than three, and he missed just the first game at the 2018 World Cup.

In 2002, Mexico midfielder Jesus Arellano was given a three-match ban for violent conduct against Costa Rica. He missed the final qualifier against Honduras and was set to sit out the first two matches of the World Cup.

But Mexico were successful in a late appeal just before the finals kicked off, claiming the suspension was too harsh. Arellano's ban was reduced and he only had to sit out their opener.

What about James and Rooney?

England midfielder Lauren James was sent off at the 2023 Women's World Cup for standing on the back of Nigeria's Michelle Alozie.

James feared she would get a three-match suspension, meaning she would be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

But Fifa decided to give James two games and she was able to return as a substitute in England's 1-0 final defeat by Spain.

England also had success with Wayne Rooney's suspension for Euro 2012.

The Manchester United striker was given a three-match ban for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in the final qualifier.

Rooney would have missed the whole of the group stage, but England had it reduced to two matches on appeal. He then scored the only goal of the game against Ukraine, which ensured England topped their group.

Wasn't Caicedo supposed to miss the first game for Ecuador?

12 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Messi's I was never convinced was a red even when you apply the follow through law or what's deemed reckless play.

Balogun genuinely almost snapped the blokes ankle off and by the standards we see in the Premier League for example, that's always a red unless you're Arsenal. We've seen Gusto get sent off for less.

literally the same incident, Messi’s is arguably worse as it was an attempted tackle unlike Balogun landing at the same time as the opposition

54 minutes ago, OTL said:

I think Infantino has gone too far this time, he is now dreadfully exposed to criticism. FIFA might want to replace him. Especially with valid criticism from UEFA.

UEFA could delay the start of 2030 European Qualifiers until they have received a satisfactory solution to this. Lol a world cup without UEFA entrants good luck with that.

Short of criminal activity, he can only be replaced by being voted out of office by the FIFA membership. Given that he has the vast majority of them in his pocket, don't hold your breath.

9 minutes ago, GarnachoCheese said:

literally the same incident, Messi’s is arguably worse as it was an attempted tackle unlike Balogun landing at the same time as the opposition

No I'd still argue it's a difference in severity. It's a stomp on the calf vs a stomp on the ankle.

8 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Wasn't Caicedo supposed to miss the first game for Ecuador?

Yes, and Otamendi for the Argies. Though the basis of the decision was specific.

"Single yellow cards and pending one- or two-match suspensions . . . are not carried over to the final competition," FIFA said in a statement, adding it wanted to ensure teams "can compete with their strongest possible squads on the biggest stage of men's international football."

14 minutes ago, dermott said:

Short of criminal activity, he can only be replaced by being voted out of office by the FIFA membership. Given that he has the vast majority of them in his pocket, don't hold your breath.

We need Columbo on the case ...er just one more question Gianni.

1 hour ago, GarnachoCheese said:

Ahh yes, the ever impartial BBC.

Here's some more bedtime reading for you: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cristiano-ronaldo-precedent-fifa-changing-165937388.html

Let me know if you need help with any of the big words.

Here are the relevant laws too:

Article 27 says Fifa can "fully or partially suspend" a disciplinary measure for "a probationary period of one to four years".

And Article 25 states "the relevant Fifa judicial body may scale down the disciplinary measure to be imposed or even dispense with it entirely".

"Balogun was sent off after his foot landed on the ankle of Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic, causing it to buckle.

The other 12, apart from Balogun, have served a suspension for at least the next World Cup game their country participated in.

Fifa enacted a clause in its disciplinary code which allows it to "fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure".

This is in contradiction to the regulations of the tournament, which state that if a player receives a red card "they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match".

Two other pertinent points. Ronaldo's Red card didn't happen at the World Cup finals, it happened in the qualifying rounds. And Ronaldo was suspended for the next qualifying game.

SI

How FIFA Used the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo Rule’ to Benefit USM...

FIFA’s handling of this divisive topic is arguably even worse than the leniency shown towards Cristiano Ronaldo.

As you offered to help me with long words, could you assist me with the meaning of "regulations" and "ethical practice"

4 minutes ago, just said:

"Balogun was sent off after his foot landed on the ankle of Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic, causing it to buckle.

The other 12, apart from Balogun, have served a suspension for at least the next World Cup game their country participated in.

Fifa enacted a clause in its disciplinary code which allows it to "fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure".

This is in contradiction to the regulations of the tournament, which state that if a player receives a red card "they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match".

Two other pertinent points. Ronaldo's Red card didn't happen at the World Cup finals, it happened in the qualifying rounds. And Ronaldo was suspended for the next qualifying game.

SI

How FIFA Used the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo Rule’ to Benefit USM...

FIFA’s handling of this divisive topic is arguably even worse than the leniency shown towards Cristiano Ronaldo.

As you offered to help me with long words, could you assist me with the meaning of "regulations" and "ethical practice"

25.Determining the disciplinary measure

1. The judicial body determines the type and extent of the disciplinary measures to be imposed in accordance with the objective and subjective elements of the offence, taking into account both aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

2. Disciplinary measures may be limited to a geographical area or to one or more specific categories of match or competition.

3. When determining the disciplinary measure, the judicial body shall take into account all relevant factors of the case, including any assistance of and substantial cooperation by the offender in uncovering or establishing a breach of any FIFA rule, the circumstances and the degree of the offender’s guilt and any other relevant circumstances.

4. In exercising its discretionary powers, the relevant FIFA judicial body may scale down the disciplinary measure to be imposed or even dispense with it entirely.

27. Suspension of implementation of disciplinary measures

1. The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.

2. By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.

3. If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.

4. Disciplinary measures relating to match manipulation cannot be suspended.

1 hour ago, GarnachoCheese said:

Has any other player had a ban suspended to play at the World Cup?

There has not been a World Cup reprieve quite the same as Ronaldo's, where a three-match ban has remained in place but partially suspended.

But there several other examples of Fifa looking kindly upon players, reducing their ban from the mandatory punishment.

The World Cup finals are the pinnacle of most players' careers. Articles 25 and 27 give Fifa the freedom to consider the merits and impact of a suspension. And it's not only been about star players.

In 2014, France defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off for slapping Ukraine's Oleksandr Kucher in the first leg of the World Cup play-off.

Like Ronaldo, Koscielny was automatically banned for his country's final qualifying fixture. Fifa then chose not to extend the Arsenal centre-back's suspension beyond one match, allowing him to play at the World Cup.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic should have missed the opening two games of the 2014 finals after he was sent off for serious foul play in the second leg of the play-off win over Iceland.

Fifa gave him a one-game ban, meaning he could play the second match against Cameroon - a 4-0 win in which he scored twice.

Towards the end of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, Netherlands midfielder Phillip Cocu was sent off for an alleged retaliatory elbow on an Albania player.

Fifa chose to ban Cocu for two matches, meaning he missed the final Uefa qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Macedonia, but was free for the opening match of the World Cup.

Japan's Makoto Hasebe was sent off for an elbow at the end of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and like Cocu was given two matches. He was not so lucky, however, as the second match was the first game of the World Cup.

Likewise, Iran's Saeid Ezatolahi was sent off for bringing his boot down on the head of an opponent in their penultimate qualifier. Fifa chose to give the midfielder two games rather than three, and he missed just the first game at the 2018 World Cup.

In 2002, Mexico midfielder Jesus Arellano was given a three-match ban for violent conduct against Costa Rica. He missed the final qualifier against Honduras and was set to sit out the first two matches of the World Cup.

But Mexico were successful in a late appeal just before the finals kicked off, claiming the suspension was too harsh. Arellano's ban was reduced and he only had to sit out their opener.

What about James and Rooney?

England midfielder Lauren James was sent off at the 2023 Women's World Cup for standing on the back of Nigeria's Michelle Alozie.

James feared she would get a three-match suspension, meaning she would be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

But Fifa decided to give James two games and she was able to return as a substitute in England's 1-0 final defeat by Spain.

England also had success with Wayne Rooney's suspension for Euro 2012.

The Manchester United striker was given a three-match ban for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in the final qualifier.

Rooney would have missed the whole of the group stage, but England had it reduced to two matches on appeal. He then scored the only goal of the game against Ukraine, which ensured England topped their group.

I think appealing a ban and having that ban successfully reduced is one thing. Even here, with Ronaldo, it has been blatantly done for commercial reasons. At one time i think that the rules were quite draconian for in tournament suspensions and it was becoming increasingly likely that the top players would start being excluded from the most important matches as the tournaments reached a climax. So shorter punishments and amnesty break points are all fine. I think what is concerning to most people is the way that FIFA are pandering to a dick swinging President who has no material interest in the competition except for the political and commercial mileage he might be able to get out of it. In so doing it undermines the whole integrity of the competition and potentially opens up a pandoras box. When the rules and the rule makers are able to be questioned and undermined, where will that lead us.

Anyway every one could clearly see that Quansah's tackle would have been fine but his leg accidentally bounced off the top of the ball up onto the fella's shin. I think a suspended sentence would be the fairest outcome.

And it appears to be confirmed that Trump did contact Infantino.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/07/06/politics/trump-world-cup-balogun-red-card-infantino-analysis

It is highly unlikely we will ever get full disclosure on the Epstein files, but perhaps they could try and bring the Infantino tapes into the public domain.

1 hour ago, OTL said:

We need Columbo on the case ...er just one more question Gianni.

1 hour ago, GarnachoCheese said:

Has any other player had a ban suspended to play at the World Cup?

There has not been a World Cup reprieve quite the same as Ronaldo's, where a three-match ban has remained in place but partially suspended.

But there several other examples of Fifa looking kindly upon players, reducing their ban from the mandatory punishment.

The World Cup finals are the pinnacle of most players' careers. Articles 25 and 27 give Fifa the freedom to consider the merits and impact of a suspension. And it's not only been about star players.

In 2014, France defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off for slapping Ukraine's Oleksandr Kucher in the first leg of the World Cup play-off.

Like Ronaldo, Koscielny was automatically banned for his country's final qualifying fixture. Fifa then chose not to extend the Arsenal centre-back's suspension beyond one match, allowing him to play at the World Cup.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic should have missed the opening two games of the 2014 finals after he was sent off for serious foul play in the second leg of the play-off win over Iceland.

Fifa gave him a one-game ban, meaning he could play the second match against Cameroon - a 4-0 win in which he scored twice.

Towards the end of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, Netherlands midfielder Phillip Cocu was sent off for an alleged retaliatory elbow on an Albania player.

Fifa chose to ban Cocu for two matches, meaning he missed the final Uefa qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Macedonia, but was free for the opening match of the World Cup.

Japan's Makoto Hasebe was sent off for an elbow at the end of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and like Cocu was given two matches. He was not so lucky, however, as the second match was the first game of the World Cup.

Likewise, Iran's Saeid Ezatolahi was sent off for bringing his boot down on the head of an opponent in their penultimate qualifier. Fifa chose to give the midfielder two games rather than three, and he missed just the first game at the 2018 World Cup.

In 2002, Mexico midfielder Jesus Arellano was given a three-match ban for violent conduct against Costa Rica. He missed the final qualifier against Honduras and was set to sit out the first two matches of the World Cup.

But Mexico were successful in a late appeal just before the finals kicked off, claiming the suspension was too harsh. Arellano's ban was reduced and he only had to sit out their opener.

What about James and Rooney?

England midfielder Lauren James was sent off at the 2023 Women's World Cup for standing on the back of Nigeria's Michelle Alozie.

James feared she would get a three-match suspension, meaning she would be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

But Fifa decided to give James two games and she was able to return as a substitute in England's 1-0 final defeat by Spain.

England also had success with Wayne Rooney's suspension for Euro 2012.

The Manchester United striker was given a three-match ban for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in the final qualifier.

Rooney would have missed the whole of the group stage, but England had it reduced to two matches on appeal. He then scored the only goal of the game against Ukraine, which ensured England topped their group.

Please see your examples which I assume are a poorly executed copy and paste attempt to back up your stance on this, and then note the key bolded and underlined sections.

So one question. How many players missed their next international games?

Answer......... All of them.

Belgium vows 'further actions' if Balogun is named on team sheet

The Belgian Football Association has responded to the response from FIFA's Appeal Committee (see previous post).

It said it still has not received "any grounds for this decision".

The association said it has informed the US Soccer Federation that it "contests" Folarin Balogun's eligibility "should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet".

"This leaves further all actions open," it added.

Absolute cinema when Balogun slots it between the Dog Nonce’s legs in the 89th minute to put Team America through.

Cannot wait.

5 hours ago, OTL said:

This is pretty dreadful for American football fans with a sense of fair play, and I have to assume there are loads of them. Instead of watching the game tonight with hope and expectations they will likely feel a sense of discomfort from the watching world.

Trump & Infantino have a lot to answer for. They have devalued the competition in one phone call.

3 phone calls, he made 3 phone calls to put pressure on them. That should result in immediate expulsion for the US.

4 hours ago, GarnachoCheese said:

Has any other player had a ban suspended to play at the World Cup?

There has not been a World Cup reprieve quite the same as Ronaldo's, where a three-match ban has remained in place but partially suspended.

But there several other examples of Fifa looking kindly upon players, reducing their ban from the mandatory punishment.

The World Cup finals are the pinnacle of most players' careers. Articles 25 and 27 give Fifa the freedom to consider the merits and impact of a suspension. And it's not only been about star players.

In 2014, France defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off for slapping Ukraine's Oleksandr Kucher in the first leg of the World Cup play-off.

Like Ronaldo, Koscielny was automatically banned for his country's final qualifying fixture. Fifa then chose not to extend the Arsenal centre-back's suspension beyond one match, allowing him to play at the World Cup.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic should have missed the opening two games of the 2014 finals after he was sent off for serious foul play in the second leg of the play-off win over Iceland.

Fifa gave him a one-game ban, meaning he could play the second match against Cameroon - a 4-0 win in which he scored twice.

Towards the end of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, Netherlands midfielder Phillip Cocu was sent off for an alleged retaliatory elbow on an Albania player.

Fifa chose to ban Cocu for two matches, meaning he missed the final Uefa qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Macedonia, but was free for the opening match of the World Cup.

Japan's Makoto Hasebe was sent off for an elbow at the end of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and like Cocu was given two matches. He was not so lucky, however, as the second match was the first game of the World Cup.

Likewise, Iran's Saeid Ezatolahi was sent off for bringing his boot down on the head of an opponent in their penultimate qualifier. Fifa chose to give the midfielder two games rather than three, and he missed just the first game at the 2018 World Cup.

In 2002, Mexico midfielder Jesus Arellano was given a three-match ban for violent conduct against Costa Rica. He missed the final qualifier against Honduras and was set to sit out the first two matches of the World Cup.

But Mexico were successful in a late appeal just before the finals kicked off, claiming the suspension was too harsh. Arellano's ban was reduced and he only had to sit out their opener.

What about James and Rooney?

England midfielder Lauren James was sent off at the 2023 Women's World Cup for standing on the back of Nigeria's Michelle Alozie.

James feared she would get a three-match suspension, meaning she would be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

But Fifa decided to give James two games and she was able to return as a substitute in England's 1-0 final defeat by Spain.

England also had success with Wayne Rooney's suspension for Euro 2012.

The Manchester United striker was given a three-match ban for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in the final qualifier.

Rooney would have missed the whole of the group stage, but England had it reduced to two matches on appeal. He then scored the only goal of the game against Ukraine, which ensured England topped their group.

Don't let facts get in the way of the political narrative the media were waiting for with this World Cup - it had been too quiet!

The initial red card, the phone calls, the suspension of the suspension by FIFA are all a terrible look. They certainly don't warrant expulsion for the US though - that is far too sensational and emotional for me, especially when you look at the many examples noted above.

I do quite enjoy that despite Trump having his opponents, his allies, the legislature and judiciary of the United States, as well as all of the world's medium-to-large military powers scared sh*tless and willing to do whatever he wants, he is that insecure that he pisses his influence away on penny-ante sh*t like this.

But yes, allez les Diables Rouges.

Giovanni Infantino is everything Donald Trump likes in a person:

Bald - like the fannies of his preferred sexual partners
Fraud - like his favourite activity other than raping children
c**t - as in 'grab them by the...'

I might knock up some crispy fries and mayonnaise later.👌

Edited yesterday at 18:251 day by OTL

1 hour ago, OTL said:

Belgium vows 'further actions' if Balogun is named on team sheet

The Belgian Football Association has responded to the response from FIFA's Appeal Committee (see previous post).

It said it still has not received "any grounds for this decision".

The association said it has informed the US Soccer Federation that it "contests" Folarin Balogun's eligibility "should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet".

"This leaves further all actions open," it added.

I think it might be worth setting a reminder for 11.45pm UK time. Belgium appear to have something planned.

29 minutes ago, OTL said:

I might knock up some crispy fries and mayonnaise later.👌

I saved you the effort.