FIFA has publicly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned the official’s integrity during the World Cup. The comment came in the wake of a red‑card shown to American striker Folarin Balogun for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic.
FIFA's forceful response
In a statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed that respect for referees is non‑negotiable and reaffirmed the organization’s confidence in Claus, describing him as one of the world’s leading professional officials. The body also highlighted that Claus has officiated more than 600 matches and is serving in his second World Cup after his debut in Qatar 2022.
Claus’s reputation was further bolstered by praise from FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina, who cited the Brazilian’s consistent professionalism and high standards of integrity throughout his career.
The disciplinary fallout saw Balogun’s red‑card ban suspended, allowing the striker to feature in the last‑16 clash against Belgium. He was subsequently named in the starting lineup by coach Mauricio Pochettino.