The tale of Garrincha’s red card during the 1962 World Cup is legendary. The Brazilian star received a red card in the semifinals for reacting violently towards an opponent. However, FIFA did not impose an automatic one-match suspension at that time. Consequently, a disciplinary committee met the following day to determine his fate for the final.
According to the narrative, the assistant referee who witnessed the incident vanished after being bribed, while the president of Chile, the host nation, reached out to FIFA, advocating for Garrincha’s participation in the final. This plea was made to ensure one of the tournament’s most captivating players could take the field. Ultimately, Garrincha faced no punishment, and Brazil secured their second World Cup title shortly thereafter.
This seemingly ancient saga feels surprisingly relevant today. On the eve of the US men’s national team’s round of 16 matchup against Belgium, Donald Trump made several calls to Gianni Infantino as the US Soccer Federation sought to overturn the one-match suspension given to striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun received a red card during the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, having accidentally stepped on an opponent’s ankle while contesting for the ball. The red card was controversial, and widespread discussions have emerged about the fairness of the decision, especially following a video review. Balogun, along with US head coach Mauricio Pochettino and many fans, expressed frustration over the ejection but appeared to accept the suspension. Despite initial outrage, many supporters reconciled with the idea of facing Belgium without their top striker.
This is where Trump’s involvement complicates matters. US Soccer had already been lobbying on Balogun’s behalf, and soon after, FIFA announced that his suspension would be lifted until after the tournament concluded. FIFA had previously granted similar leniency to a few players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, but this action during the World Cup is unprecedented.
The aftermath has sparked both celebration and indignation. Numerous US fans are understandably thrilled with the outcome, including Pochettino, who expressed his delight on Sunday. Conversely, Belgian head coach Rudi Garcia was outraged, quipping that he was unaware April Fools’ Day was celebrated in July. The Belgian federation has indicated it will explore its legal options.
FIFA has provided a vague explanation, citing a specific article in its bylaws that permits such decisions. When questioned by various media about Trump’s involvement, FIFA officials maintained that the integrity of their disciplinary process makes it impossible for outside interference to influence outcomes.
To suggest that FIFA remains unaffected by Trump’s influence is absurd. It’s comparable to claiming that Trump earned his “I think that’s a big mistake by Fifa,” solely based on merit. Infantino and Trump share a long-standing cozy relationship, benefiting mutually; Trump receives the adoration and attention he craves, while Infantino gains access to the largest commercial market for FIFA.
Trump may not realize, or may not care, that his interference does not benefit American soccer in the long run.
The USMNT has reached this stage of the tournament through their own efforts, showcasing three impressive performances along with one mediocre outing. Balogun has been a standout player for the US during this journey.
Even in Balogun’s absence, many analysts and bookmakers still view the US as favorites to defeat Belgium. However, the perception that the team has been granted an unfair advantage – which is indeed the case – casts a shadow over any potential progress. This sentiment resonates domestically, but it is amplified internationally, where Trump symbolizes a tradition of Americans perceived, rightly or wrongly, as expecting special treatment.
This situation is particularly unfortunate for the American public, many of whom have fought against the stereotype that their nation lacks footballing prowess or falls short of other countries in talent and prestige. The US has performed admirably in this World Cup, challenging that narrative, but a victory on Monday may be viewed as one facilitated by FIFA’s intervention.
Norway’s head coach Ståle Solbakken appears to concur that a victory would be viewed with skepticism.
“Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision. I feel sorry for the United States, because even if they win, the game will always have this bad thing about it. Not good for the sport. Bad decision by Fifa.” he remarked to reporters after his team’s surprising 2-0 triumph over Brazil on Sunday. “Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision. I feel sorry for the United States because even if they win, the game will always have this negative association. Not good for the sport. Bad decision by FIFA.”
Trump’s involvement has also tainted what has largely been a successful World Cup so far. Ahead of the tournament, numerous issues were raised, including ticket prices, visa problems, logistical and infrastructure challenges, and the potential presence of immigration officers at matches. Some advocated for relocating the tournament. While some concerns were valid – evident in the harsh treatment of the Iranian national team – the overall perception of the tournament has remained largely positive.
Now, Trump has engaged in a quintessentially American act: exerting unwarranted and unsolicited influence to achieve his objectives. On Sunday, he celebrated Balogun’s reinstatement on social media, expressing gratitude to FIFA for rectifying what he termed a “grave injustice.”
What he may not understand is that he has inflicted a different injustice, one that could prove far more challenging to rectify.
