Brazil football body defends referee after Trump criticism

The Brazilian Football Confederation has strongly defended referee Rafael Claus, pushing back against criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had publicly denounced a red card issued by Claus to American player Folarin Balogun during a World Cup match against Bosnia as "terrible and very suspicious."

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The Brazilian Football Confederation outright rejects any insinuation that questions the integrity of Rafael Claus.

In a statement, the confederation declared its "outright rejection of any insinuation that questions the integrity of Rafael Claus," whom they described as a "model professional." They emphasized his global recognition as one of the top current referees, highlighting a career marked by technical competence, ethical conduct, and respect for the sport.

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He is a model professional recognized globally as one of the best referees currently practicing, with a career marked by technical competence, ethical conduct, and absolute respect for football.

Balogun, a forward for Monaco, received a red card for stepping on the leg of a Bosnian defender. This suspension was initially set to sideline him for the U.S. match against Belgium. However, FIFA's disciplinary committee controversially suspended the ban, making it provisional, following Trump's intervention. This unprecedented decision has drawn widespread criticism.

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terrible and very suspicious

Trump confirmed he had contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to "request a review" of the red card. The targeting of the Brazilian referee comes amid escalating trade disputes between the U.S. under Trump and the Brazilian government led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

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to request a review