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FIFA has a rationale for decisions
A month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has announced in a surprise decision that Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi’s suspension has been lifted, allowing him to play in the reigning champions’ opening match against Algeria on June 17 in Kansas City.
The penalty was waived after a request from the Argentines
Benfica’s Portugal international Otamendi, 38, was sent off in the final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on September 10 and should have been suspended for Argentina’s first game at the World Cup.
But the Argentine Football Association submitted a request to the offices of the international structure on this matter, hoping to receive an apology from FIFA, and the request was granted.
The rationale behind FIFA’s decision
FIFA justified its decision saying: “The World Cup Finals is the biggest event in men’s international football, highlighting the highest levels of the sport. Ensuring that member associations field their best possible teams while maintaining disciplinary integrity is essential to maintaining the quality, fairness and international brilliance of the competition.”
Great news for Argentina
This decision is great news for the World Cup winner, who will be able to rely on one of the pillars of his defense in the upcoming match against the “Desert Warriors” of Algeria.
Otamendi played 130 international matches for the Albiceleste and is considered one of the main pillars of coach Lionel Scaloni’s defensive line.
Similar cases
Nicolas Otamendi is not a unique case, as two other players saw their bans lifted a month before the start of the World Cup.
After he was also sent off in the qualifiers against Argentina, Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo, the Chelsea star, will be available for his country’s opening match against Ivory Coast on June 15 in Philadelphia.
Qatar international Tariq Salman will also be available to play with his country’s national team, the Asian Cup winners, in Al-Anabi’s World Cup campaign opener against Switzerland on June 13.
