FIFA World Cup disciplinary amnesty rules?

The World Cup qualification fallout after Argentine forward Nicolas Otamendi and Ecuador defender Moises Caicedo were sent off in their final World Cup qualifiers has been changed by the FIFA World Cup disciplinary amnesty. The ruling has sparked an international debate in football world after FIFA confirmed that some suspensions will not be extended into the tournament.

The decision covers disciplinary measures in relation to the qualification round. Both Otamendi and Caicedo had their names on the red card, a move that would have meant suspensions for the World Cup, in their final qualification games. But, under new rule, those bans have been erased prior to tournament. The FIFA Bureau confirmed the news on Friday. It was a global decision, as the panel was made up of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the presidents of all six continental confederations.

According to FIFA, “pending one or two-match suspensions are not transferred to the final competition, in addition to single yellow cards”. The governing body said it was trying to build teams that will be as competitive as they can be when they play at the World Cup level. Some football officials have welcomed this measure, saying it is a way of maintaining the quality and competitiveness of the games. But it has also raised questions from fans that it diminishes the effect of punishments in key qualifiers.

Argentina and Ecuador, in particular, will get a huge boost from the move, with both players being major components of their team. Both Otamendi and Caicedo offer experience and leadership for their respective countries, Argentina and Ecuador. The FIFA World Cup disciplinary amnesty is now one of the most discussed regulatory changes leading up to the tournament, impacting on squad selection and debriefing procedures throughout the World Cup.