FIFA Allows Suspended Players to Compete in World Cup Finals in Historic Cases
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
First reported by Mako · Jul 6, 2026
What happened
FIFA has historically intervened to allow suspended players like Brazil's Garrincha in 1962 and the U.S.'s Florian Balogun in 2026 to compete in World Cup finals, amid political pressure and controversy. Despite Garrincha's suspension for violent conduct, political and diplomatic efforts enabled his participation in the 1962 final, where Brazil won their second consecutive title. Similarly, Balogun's suspension was lifted for the 2026 tournament, sparking international debate.
- 01FIFA suspended Florian Balogun's ban, allowing him to play in the 2026 World Cup round of 16.
- 02In 1962, Brazil's Garrincha was sent off but still played in the World Cup final after political intervention.
- 03The 1962 suspension was not enforced due to the linesman's absence and Brazil's diplomatic pressure.
- 04Chile's president led a petition to allow Garrincha to participate in the final match.
- 05Similar political pressure was alleged in 2026 involving the U.S. government and FIFA president.
- 06Brazil won the 1962 World Cup final 3-1 against Czechoslovakia despite Garrincha's illness on game day.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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