Garrincha was sent off in Brazil’s semi-final against Chile after kicking an opponent away from the ball. Brazil feared losing him for the final, but intervention from Chile’s president helped clear the way for his appearance against Czechoslovakia.
Balogun’s case is more formal: the punishment exists, but its enforcement has been suspended. The comparison nevertheless raises a familiar question - should tournament authorities have room to soften a decision when the wider consequences feel disproportionate?
The governing body says Claus was selected among 52 referees after extensive assessments across international and domestic football. Officials have also attended seminars and received mental-health support.
Pierluigi Collina, ’s referees chief, described the group as “the very best in the world”. That is a strong defence of the officials, but high standards also demand clear explanations when a major disciplinary ruling changes.
Tournament procedures extend well beyond dismissals. Heavy rain does not automatically stop a match, but dangerous pitch or surrounding conditions can force a suspension. If lightning is detected within eight miles, play pauses for 30 minutes, with the countdown restarting after each new strike.
An abandoned match resumes from the point it stopped, with the same scoreline. In a penalty shootout, teams continue beyond five kicks if still level before moving into sudden death.
Even stadium culture varies: World Cup venues can sell beer, cocktails and hard seltzers, unlike the restrictions seen at Qatar’s World Cup and the Paris Olympics.
Balogun’s next appearance will show whether this suspended ban fades into the background or becomes a defining subplot of the tournament’s disciplinary debate.