If reports are correct that a player who had been sent off was later allowed to participate in the tournament, then FIFA has some serious questions to answer. What message does this send to the other players who received red cards and served their suspensions under the rules?
Football is built on fairness, consistency, and respect for the laws of the game. If exceptions are made for certain individuals while others are treated differently, the integrity of the competition is damaged and fans around the world lose confidence in FIFA’s leadership.
With FIFA President Gianni Infantino seeking another term in office, delegates should carefully consider whether this is the standard of governance they expect from the world’s governing body of football. Accountability begins at the top. If the rules are not applied equally to everyone, then those responsible for overseeing the game must also be held accountable.
No individual should ever be bigger than the game.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
