The Red Card of Accountability The drama unfolding at this year's World Cup has brought into sharp focus a toxic mix of politics and sport that threatens to undermine the integrity of international football.
US President Donald Trump managed to secure a last minute reprieve for forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium after being initially banned following a red card in the match against Bosnia Herzegovina.
This intervention has sparked outrage from European football leaders, with Uefa describing Fifa's decision as an "incomprehensible" breach of the sport's rule of law.