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Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)’s referees committee has confirmed its full support for Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus after US President Donald Trump called him a “suspect” amid the controversy surrounding the famous red card of US national team striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
Trump’s comments came after his intervention in Balogun’s suspension, as he pushed for the one-match suspension to be overturned so the forward could play in the Round of 16 against Belgium.
Klaus was sent off for a tackle on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Maharemovic after reviewing the video referee’s technology, before the penalty was later overturned.
Trump said the incident “doesn’t deserve to be violated,” adding: “The two players were running at full speed and bumped into each other, and in that situation you can’t intentionally put your foot on another player’s foot.”
He continued. “This decision raises some doubts if you look at his previous record … I don’t want to stir up controversy, but it raises doubts.”
Colina answers
Italian Pierluigi Collina, head of the FIFA Referees Committee, responded with an official statement defending the Brazilian referee, stressing that the international federation fully trusts him.
And move the site Sports Bible“Raphael Klaus is recognized by FIFA as one of the world’s leading professional referees and an important member of the World Cup refereeing team. He has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and integrity throughout his career.”
“Klaus is participating in the World Cup finals for the second time, after officiating matches at Qatar 2022. He is a highly experienced and highly respected referee and we continue to have full confidence in him as one of the referees for the tournament.”
The controversy comes as Colina played an important role during the tournament, after he helped implement new arbitration changes aimed at reducing injury and time-wasting claims, although some arbitration cases have sparked controversy over lapses in the application of the rules.
The tournament also saw other criticism of the performance of some referees, including the match between Paraguay and France, where former England goalkeeper and BBC pundit Joe Hart noted that there were clear instances of sending offs that were not counted.
Despite the U.S. team’s success in regaining Balogun’s services after the suspension was overturned, a 4-1 loss to Belgium on Tuesday brought a swift end to its 2026 World Cup adventure.
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