FIFA's red card decision raises doubt about fairness

US striker Folarin Balogun received a red card for stamping on an opponent's ankle, which typically results in an automatic one-match suspension. But FIFA, the soccer world's governing body, announced that the suspension would be delayed for one year, allowing Balogun to play in the crucial round of 16 match against Belgium.

Such an exception for the host country is widely seen as a capitulation to pressure from the United States.

If rules can be bent for one team, others may demand similar treatment. The suspension for one year puts the fairness of the game itself into question.

Wu Kexin contributed to this story.