Washington DC, July 6 -- European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova declined to comment directly on FIFA's decision to overturn U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's suspension following a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying the EU respects the autonomy of sport and the right of sports governing bodies to determine the rules and criteria under which athletes compete.

She added that "any such decision should be made based on objective and transparent criteria," underscoring the European Union's commitment to fair play and transparent competition in sport.

The controversy follows FIFA's announcement that the implementation of Balogun's automatic one-match suspension had been suspended under Ar...