England’s World Cup red card controversy highlights FIFA’s VAR consistency problem, and why it matters for sports betting markets

FIFA's inconsistent VAR decisions during the World Cup have disrupted sports betting markets, complicating prediction models and impacting decentralized platform integrity. Simultaneously, international anger has risen after FIFA revoked the red card suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun. This decision followed an inquiry by President Trump, which overturned the one-game suspension. These events highlight systemic consistency problems within FIFA's officiating and the influence of political intervention on professional sports disciplinary actions during the tournament.