The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced that it will not enforce a one-match suspension for Argentine defender Nicolás Otamendi and Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo at the World Cup, despite both players being sent off in their final qualifying matches.

The unprecedented decision is part of a broader amnesty issued by FIFA’s disciplinary office covering most sanctions related to World Cup qualifiers. The office is chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino along with the presidents of the six continental confederations.

In a statement, FIFA said: “Second yellow cards and one- or two-match suspensions will not be applied in the tournament. We want all teams to be able to field their strongest squads in the biggest football event in the world.”

The decision follows an earlier disciplinary ruling that also ensured Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo would not miss any World Cup matches, despite receiving a red card for an elbow challenge on an Irish player during Portugal’s penultimate qualifier in November.

The remaining two matches of Ronaldo’s three-match suspension were converted into a probationary period.

Both Otamendi and Caicedo were sent off in Ecuador’s victory over Argentina in September. Otamendi received a direct red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, while Caicedo was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a strong challenge.