MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) 鈥� FIFA has defended the reputation of referee Raphael Claus in rare pushback on comments by U.S. President Donald for sending off Folarin Balogun.
Trump suggested on Monday at the White House, without elaborating, that the 46-year-old Brazilian was 鈥渁 little bit suspect if you check his past.鈥�
Claus red-carded Balogun against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week, that saw Trump intervene with FIFA to ensure the United States forward could .
FIFA praised Claus, who is working at his second World Cup, in a statement published before the U.S. to the quarterfinals.
鈥淭hroughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,鈥� FIFA said, calling Claus 鈥渙ne of the world鈥檚 leading professional referees and a valued member鈥� of its team of World Cup match officials.
FIFA made no similar statement in public support of , who U.S. authorities denied entry to the country last month ahead of the tournament.
Like Artan, Claus has refereed the final of a top-tier competition in his home continent before being picked among the 52 referees by FIFA for this World Cup.
Claus refereed Spain鈥檚 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the group stage and worked the U.S.鈥� 2-0 win over Bosnia in the round of 32. Balogun was the first player Claus sent off in four career World Cup games.
鈥淗e is an experienced and highly respected referee,鈥� FIFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina said, 鈥渁nd we maintain full confidence in him as a trusted match official.鈥�
Trump鈥檚 comments could have been linked to a match-fixing investigation by Brazil鈥檚 Senate in 2024. Lawmakers scrutinized how referees were assigned to games but did not accuse Claus of wrongdoing.
鈥淭here is nothing in his record that calls his integrity into question or supports any suspicion of wrongdoing,鈥� the Brazilian Football Confederation said Monday.
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