OT: The 2026 World Cup Thread

[Gumby]

Nummy, the cameras are set up on 1 side of the stadium throughout the whole game. They have been for every soccer game that I have watched thus far. Ovals or circles have zero to to do with it.

Same for NFL football.

You being deliberately obtuse???

I said it would be dumb for the viewers IN STADIUM and you reply talking about cameras for TV.
I’m out on this line of discussion, I have zero interest in back- forth with guys just trying to increase their post count or having some kinda virtual-S&M addiction.

 

[Gumby]

Has that been done before? If it isn't routine, how can the rest of the world see it as anything other than a bully cheating?

1. The argument is the USMNT appealing through normal structures is fine. Having the president of your country make a personal call to the head of FIFA is another matter.
2. The biggest issue is that they gave no explanation whatsoever as to how they reached the decision to give him a one-year grace period, especially given they haven't done that for any WC red card in over 60 years. Compare that to the documents on this page about the same committee's workings.

From the BSPN article on the lifting, ….not only done before but even affecting games in THIS WC ( more qualifying games than actual games, but is apparently NOT NEW to Balogun & USA !

.
FIFA said its decision relied on Article 27 of the disciplinary committee rules.

"The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure. By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years," the rule states.

FIFA in November deferred the final two games of a three-match ban for Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo for a red card against Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, allowing him to play at the start of the World Cup.

Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi and Ecuador midfielder Moisés Caicedo in April had one-game bans deferred for red cards in qualifiers, also allowing them to be available for World Cup openers.

Brazil's Garrincha was ejected from a 1962 semifinal but allowed to play in the final against Chile after political pressure.

As to Trumps involvement, I’m sure he took credit, but he has likely also took credit for the sun rising once or twice. Coincidence is not consequence. It was clearly not a red ( from my limited experience-knowledge) so the USMNT complaint was the necessary prerequisite & could have likely been the primary initiation and video record the driver of relief. Those complaining about Trump and $$$s are just mini-Kens with TDS.

I believe at the time in the game it occurred at least one announcer (I think I was watching German) stated that since it was waved off on the field that VAR could NOT (per rules) afterwards intervene to apply a red. Haven’t heard or read that opinion again, so I don’t know the VAR applicability restrictions. BUT, if true, then that would be another reason to suspend (if never should have been reviewed in first place).