GENEVA — Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi and Ecuador midfielder Moisés Caicedo will not face one-game suspensions at the upcoming World Cup, despite being red-carded in their final qualifying matches.
The decision announced on Friday marks a significant change, with FIFA’s Bureau—including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the leaders of the six continental federations—issuing an amnesty on all but the most severe disciplinary actions from World Cup qualifiers.
“Single yellow cards and pending one- or two-match suspensions will not carry over to the final tournament,” FIFA stated, emphasizing its aim for teams to compete with their strongest line-ups on the grandest stage of men’s international football.
This move follows a previous unprecedented ruling by FIFA that ensured Cristiano Ronaldo will be eligible to play in the World Cup, despite having received a red card for elbowing an opponent in Portugal’s second-to-last qualifier in November. The remaining two matches of his three-game suspension have been deferred for a one-year probation period.
Otamendi and Caicedo both received red cards during Ecuador’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in September, with Otamendi receiving a direct red for a foul on a clear goal-scoring chance, while Caicedo was shown a second yellow for a tough tackle.
They are now expected to serve their one-match suspensions in another competition after the World Cup.
Argentina will begin its title defense against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
If called up, the 38-year-old Otamendi could be participating in his fourth and final World Cup. The Benfica center-back was part of the Argentine squad in 2010, 2018, and 2022, where he played every minute of all seven matches.
Ecuador will kick off its campaign against Ivory Coast on June 14 in Philadelphia.
The 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder Caicedo was also a participant in Qatar four years ago.
The recent FIFA ruling also benefits Qatari defender Tarek Salman, who received a red card in an October match against the United Arab Emirates. Initially handed a two-game suspension, he has now been cleared to start Qatar’s World Cup journey against Switzerland on June 13 at the home stadium of the San Francisco 49ers.