FIFA referee chief defends Brazilian official after Trump criticism

FIFA's top refereeing official, Pierluigi Collina, has strongly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned his integrity. The controversy erupted following a World Cup match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where American player Folarin Balogun received a red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemović. Although initially sent off, the suspension of the penalty allowed Balogun to play in the subsequent match, which the U.S. lost 4-1 to Belgium.

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FIFA considers Raphael Claus one of the best professional referees in the world and a respected member of the elite group of World Cup referees.

Trump criticized the red card decision, arguing it was not a foul but a collision between two players. He then directly attacked the referee, calling him "suspicious" and suggesting a review of his past. "I don't want to create controversy, but he is very suspicious," Trump stated.

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Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Responding to these remarks, Pierluigi Collina, president of FIFA's Referees Committee, issued a firm statement of support for Claus. "FIFA considers Raphael Claus one of the best professional referees in the world and a respected member of the elite group of World Cup referees," Collina said. He emphasized Claus's consistent display of high standards of professionalism and integrity throughout his career.

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Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second World Cup, after being part of the tournament in Qatar in 2022.

Collina highlighted Claus's experience, noting this is his second World Cup, following his participation in Qatar in 2022. "He is an experienced and highly respected referee, and we have full confidence in him as a match official," Collina added. This unequivocal backing from FIFA's refereeing chief dismisses Trump's allegations and reaffirms the global football governing body's trust in the Brazilian referee, despite the controversy surrounding one of the tournament's most debated decisions.

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He is an experienced and highly respected referee, and we have full confidence in him as a match official.