FIFA is standing firmly behind Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after U.S. President Donald Trump took aim at the official’s credibility following a red card controversy at the World Cup in Miami.
The dispute began when Claus, following a video review, sent off American striker Folarin Balogun during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun had stepped on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic, resulting in the ejection. FIFA later suspended the red-card ban, allowing Balogun to play again.
President Trump said he had requested a review of the call, describing Claus as “a little bit suspect if you check his past” — without providing any additional details or evidence.
FIFA responded swiftly with a formal statement defending the official. “FIFA recognises Raphael Claus as one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One (FIFA’s elite group of referees) at the FIFA World Cup,” the organization stated. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
FIFA noted that Claus was not available to respond to media inquiries, consistent with the tournament’s policy of keeping referees away from press during competition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also weighed in, calling for respect toward match officials. “Once more, I reiterate that we must respect the referees and respect the rules that govern our game,” Infantino said. “It is very simple and cannot ever be overstated — without referees, there is no football.”
Claus, who is 46 years old and has officiated more than 600 matches throughout his career, is no stranger to the World Cup stage. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the Referees Committee, emphasized the organization’s unwavering confidence in the Brazilian official.
“Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second FIFA World Cup having been with us in Qatar in 2022,” Collina said. “He is an experienced and highly respected referee and we maintain full confidence in him as a trusted match official.”
Despite the controversy, Balogun was ultimately cleared to play in the United States’ last-16 matchup against Belgium and was included in the starting lineup by head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
