FIFA has thrown its full support behind referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump labelled the Brazilian official "very suspect" following the controversial red card shown to Folarin Balogun at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement released on Monday, football's world governing body praised Claus, saying he has "demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity" throughout his refereeing career.
Claus dismissed USA striker Balogun during last week's World Cup clash, a decision that initially earned the forward a one-match suspension. The incident prompted Trump to urge FIFA to review the ban.
FIFA later suspended Balogun's sanction, clearing the striker to feature in Monday's last-16 showdown against Belgium—a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the football world.
Speaking at the White House earlier on Monday, Trump questioned Claus's credibility while discussing the incident.
"This referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. I don't want to say that because I don't like to create controversy, but very suspect. He made a call that nobody could believe," Trump said.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) swiftly rejected Trump's comments, stating there was nothing in Claus's record that "gives grounds for suspicion."
FIFA's chairman of the referees committee, Pierluigi Collina, also came to the official's defence, highlighting Claus's experience on the biggest stage.
"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."
