FIFA defends referee after Trump attack

FIFA has publicly defended referee Raphael Claus, who officiated the World Cup match where Folarin Balogun received a controversial red card. The defense came after US President Donald Trump branded the Brazilian official as "very suspect."

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This referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. I don’t want to say that because I don’t like to create controversy, but very suspect. He made a call that nobody could believe.

Claus had shown Balogun a red card, resulting in a one-match suspension for the US striker. Trump publicly lobbied FIFA to review the decision, questioning Claus's credentials. "This referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. I don’t want to say that because I don’t like to create controversy, but very suspect. He made a call that nobody could believe," Trump told reporters.

FIFA stated that Claus has "demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity" throughout his career. The organization later reprieved Balogun, allowing him to play in the last-16 clash against Belgium. This decision, however, has been widely criticized.

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demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's chief refereeing officer, also expressed confidence in Claus, calling him an "experienced and highly respected referee" and a key member of the World Cup referees pool. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had previously condemned Trump's remarks, stating there was nothing in Claus's background to warrant suspicion.

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Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second FIFA World Cup having been with us in Qatar in 2022. He is an experienced and highly respected referee and we maintain full confidence in him as a trusted match official.