The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced the suspension of the ban on Nicolas Otamendi and Moises Caicedo during the World Cup, despite their dismissal in the last round of qualifiers.

The statement read: 'Individual yellow cards and suspensions for one or two matches resulting from warnings in different matches of the preliminary competitions, or indirect red cards or direct red cards resulting from denying the opposing team a goal or a clear goal-scoring opportunity, or due to violent play, do not transfer to the final competitions. Any penalties imposed as a result of a red card in matches during the preliminary competitions transfer to the final competitions.'

It added: 'This decision was made to ensure that member national associations compete with the strongest possible lineup in the most important men's football tournament, while maintaining a balance between factors of integrity, discipline, performance quality, equality, and the global appeal of the tournament.'

Otamendi was directly sent off during the match between Ecuador and Argentina after fouling Enner Valencia who was alone with the goal, while Caicedo received a red card after getting a second warning due to a strong tackle.

Otamendi and Caicedo will be available to participate with Argentina and Ecuador in the opening of the World Cup, which will be held this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

It is expected that the suspension penalty for the duo will be implemented in another international tournament after the end of the World Cup.