FIFA backs Brazilian referee questioned by Trump after red card to Balogun
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
FIFA defended the reputation of referee Raphael Claus in an unusual response to comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who questioned his integrity for sending off Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. Trump suggested at the White House on Monday, without providing further details, that the 46-year-old Brazilian was 'a little suspicious if you look at his past.' Claus issued a red card to Balogun in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, prompting outrage that led Trump to intervene with FIFA to ensure the U.S. forward could play against Belgium on Monday night. FIFA praised Claus, who is officiating his second World Cup, in a statement released before the U.S. team's 4-1 loss that sent Belgium to the quarterfinals.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
