Key facts
- The European Commission called for "fair play and transparent competition" in sports.
- U.S. player Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was overturned after President Donald Trump contacted FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
- UEFA described FIFA's action as "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" and a "red line."
- European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef criticized political influence in sporting decisions.
- Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot questioned FIFA's decision-making process.
The European Commission has called for "fair play and transparent competition" in sports following a controversial decision by FIFA to overturn a red card suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun. The suspension was revoked after President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova stated that while sporting federations have autonomy, their decisions should be based on objective and transparent criteria. European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef suggested that political involvement in sporting matters undermines the independence of governing bodies and that FIFA's actions were a "wrong decision."
UEFA, the European football governing body, described FIFA's move as "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" and stated that the world governing body had crossed "a red line." Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot also expressed concern, noting that if a phone call led to the decision, it would undermine basic sporting rules and FIFA's credibility.
FIFA declined to confirm specific discussions but reiterated that an independent disciplinary committee had decided to suspend the ban.