Since we are down the World Cup rabbit hole of corruption and politics

[sarisataka]

4. The committees that review such things do not make rulings immediately after a match

They typically meet a few days after to review decisions. This is true in every sport.

If FIFA had changed the suspension to probation within 24 hours, there still would have been people who felt it was unfair; I can understand that point of view.

The bigger problem is a blowhard interjected his ass into a situation he couldn't have explained on his own if there was a gun to his head. Whether his interference had any effect is unknown; but it will be assumed it did influence the decision.

If the US gets past Belgium (I give them even odds) it is likely they will lose to Spain in the next round (unless Portugal can give Ronaldo a youth potion). In any case it will just be another point of infamy of this (mal)administration.