History Remembers: Red-Carded in the Semis, Garrincha Still Played in the '62 World Cup Final

While FIFA recently stirred controversy by overturning the automatic suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun after a phone call from Donald Trump, this isn't an unprecedented event in World Cup history. During the 1962 World Cup in Chile, won by Brazil, the "Seleção's" star winger Garrincha was also allowed to play in the final despite receiving a red card in the semi-final.

Garrincha, who scored two goals against the Chilean national team in the semi-final, was sent off after an altercation with an opponent. Although he was initially suspended for the final against then-Czechoslovakia, he was ultimately cleared to play following behind-the-scenes pressure from Brazilian Prime Minister Tancredo Neves on FIFA. Neves leveraged his influence and power to support the Brazilian federation with FIFA members and Chilean authorities. The Brazilian's foul, despite being seen and signaled by the assistant referee, was ultimately not included in the match report by the Peruvian referee.

"Garrincha received only a warning from the FIFA committee, which met this morning at 11 AM to review the case of the expelled players during the Brazil-Chile match," stated the Brazilian newspaper "Estadão" on June 15, 1962.

"Landa of Chile, on the other hand, was suspended for one match and therefore will not be able to participate in the match against Yugoslavia (for 3rd place, editor's note). Sir Stanley Rous, FIFA President, stated that Garrincha received only a warning because the foul he committed occurred during a struggle for the ball with Rojas."

In the final, Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia 3-1, securing their second World Cup title in history.