FIFA defends referee for Balogun’s red card after Trump calls him ‘a bit suspicious’ | World Cup 2026 news

Raphael Claus is ‘one of the world’s leading footballers’, FIFA says, following Trump’s comments.

FIFA has thrown its full support behind Brazilian soccer player Raphael Claus after United States President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following the red card received by United States player Folarin Balogun, which sparked controversy at the World Cup.

Balogun was sent off by Claus after a VAR check in the last 32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina for planting his ball in Tarik Muharemovic’s hole. However, FIFA later suspended Balogun’s red card ban.

Mr Trump said on Monday that he had asked for the decision to be reviewed, saying that Claus is “a little suspicious if you look at the past”, without elaborating.

“FIFA recognizes Raphael Claus as one of the world’s leading players and an important member of Team One – FIFA’s main group of players – at the FIFA World Cup,” FIFA said.

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

FIFA said Claus was not available for comment, in line with its rule that referees cannot speak to the media during matches. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the opposition should be respected.

“I will repeat that we must respect the judges and respect the rules that govern our sport,” he said.

“It’s very simple and it cannot be overstated – without the players, there is no football.”

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer and the chairman of the Referees Committee, emphasized the organization’s faith in the 46-year-old Claus, who has officiated in more than 600 matches in his career.

“Raphael Claus is playing in his second FIFA World Cup, having joined us in Qatar in 2022,” Collina said.

“He’s a very experienced and well-respected player, and we have a lot of faith in him as a reliable player in the game.”

Balogun was finally cleared to start Monday’s last 16 clash with Belgium and was named in the starting line-up by coach Mauricio Pochettino.