EU urges sporting independence after Trump intervention over Balogun ban

BRUSSELS: FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-match ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun after intervention by US President Donald Trump has drawn a response from the European Union, with the bloc’s commissioner for sport saying decisions on sporting matters should remain with governing bodies rather than politicians.

EU commissioner comments on FIFA decision

European Commissioner for Sport Glen Micallef said on Monday that while many football supporters and former players had criticised FIFA’s decision, political leaders should not influence sporting decisions.

“Many football fans, including former players, have already spoken out about the suspension of Balogun. As a fan, I too believe it was the wrong decision,” Micallef wrote on X.

He added that decisions on sporting rules and disciplinary matters belonged to sporting bodies and that political intervention would undermine the autonomy of sport.

The comments came a day after FIFA suspended the implementation of Balogun’s one-match ban, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 after Trump urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.

FIFA explains disciplinary ruling

Balogun was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review found that he had planted his boot on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic. US coach Mauricio Pochettino said the challenge did not warrant a red card.

According to a source briefed on the matter, Trump contacted Infantino and asked FIFA to review the dismissal.

FIFA said it had not rescinded the red card but had suspended the implementation of the automatic one-match ban under Article 27 of its disciplinary code.

The governing body said the suspension would remain on probation for one year. If Balogun commits a similar offence during that period, the suspended ban will be enforced in addition to any new disciplinary sanction.

The decision has drawn attention to FIFA’s disciplinary process ahead of the United States’ match against Belgium, while FIFA has not responded to requests for comment on the circumstances surrounding the decision or Trump’s call with Infantino.