FIFA has issued a staunch defence of Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, following US President Donald Trump’s public criticism of his officiating during the 2026 World Cup. Trump had labelled Claus’s past “very suspect” after a controversial red card decision involving USMNT striker Folarin Balogun.
The controversy ignited during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32, when Claus sent off Balogun. The AS Monaco forward was initially facing a one-game suspension, which would have ruled him out of the USMNT’s subsequent last 16 clash against Belgium. However, FIFA controversially suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to play.
President Trump, who reportedly has close ties with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, personally intervened in the matter, describing Claus’s decision to dismiss Balogun as “horrible.” He also cast doubt on the referee’s integrity, stating, “If you check his past. Very suspect. I don’t want to say that because I don’t like to create controversy. If you like I’ll provide you with the past.” Trump later suggested his involvement was crucial in reversing the ban, telling reporters, “I think it [the suspension] would have left a big stain. I can’t tell them what to do. I don’t believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision.”
FIFA stands by its official
In response to the escalating criticism, FIFA released a statement defending Claus. “FIFA recognises Raphael Claus as one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One at the FIFA World Cup. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” the governing body affirmed, as reported by GiveMeSport (UK).
Read also: FIFA doesn't support Trump’s attack: "He is an experienced and highly respected referee"
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Referee Committee Chairman, echoed this sentiment, offering his full backing to the Brazilian official. “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,” Collina stated.
USMNT eliminated despite Balogun’s return
Despite Balogun’s controversial return to the lineup, the United States were ultimately knocked out of the World Cup, suffering a 4-1 defeat against Belgium in the Round of 16. Adding insult to injury, Belgium reportedly “rubbed salt into American wounds with two savage post-match tweets,” and their players were seen mocking Trump shortly before the final whistle.
Belgium is now set to face Spain at the Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, after Spain defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Monday. The winner of the Belgium vs Spain tie will advance to the semi-finals, where they will play either France or Morocco next Tuesday.
Read also: Jurgen Klopp condemns Trump and Infantino over Balogun red card reversal
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