FIFA Defends Brazilian Referee After Trump Criticism

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has issued a statement defending Brazilian referee Rafael Claus, who issued a red card to American striker Folarin Balogun following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over his performance and alleged dubious history. Claus showed Balogun a red card during the U.S. team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. The ban was subsequently lifted, allowing Balogun to play in the Round of 16 match where the U.S. lost to Belgium 1-4. After Trump acknowledged calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision and suggesting Claus had a questionable background, FIFA released a statement defending the Brazilian official. "FIFA recognizes Rafael Claus as one of the world's leading professional referees and a valued member of the elite team for the FIFA World Cup. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity," the statement read. "It's very simple and cannot be overstated: without referees, there is no football." Claus has officiated over 600 matches throughout his career. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the Referees Committee, emphasized the organization's confidence in the 46-year-old official. "Rafael Claus is serving as a referee at his second FIFA World Cup, having previously worked with us in Qatar in 2022," Collina said. "He is an experienced referee who is highly respected, and we remain fully confident in him as a trustworthy match official."