EU sports commissioner joins criticism in Balogun case

FIFA's decision to suspended the one-match ban for red-carded United States forward Folarin Balogun and the alleged involvement of US President Donald Trump has now also been criticised by the European Union.

"Decisions on sporting rules and sporting matters belong to sporting bodies, not politicians. Influencing sporting decisions would undermine the autonomy of sport," EU commissioner for sport, Glenn Micallef, said on X on Monday.

"Our focus should instead be on the real governance challenges facing sport, including the weaponisation of sport for political purposes."

Micallef also said: "As a fan, I too believe it was the wrong decision."

Balogun was sent off in the round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. FIFA said on Sunday he would not automatically be banned for the last 16 match against Belgium set for later Monday but that the suspension was suspended for one year.

Belgium are reportedly appealing the ruling and US media have reported that their nation's president, Donald Trump, called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the suspension.

Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot told Politico in a statement that the FIFA decision "clearly raises many questions.

“As a former football referee, I have always been committed to upholding the rules and ensuring decisions are fair," he said.

"If it really was a phone call that led to this incomprehensible decision, that would amount to undermining the most basic rules of football and sport” and question FIFA’s ability to “credibly advocate fair play,” the minister added.