FIFA has stepped in to defend referee Raphael Claus after President Donald Trump questioned his integrity. Trump made the remark following Claus’s decision to send off USA forward Folarin Balogun.
The incident happened during the USA’s World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week. Trump called Claus “a little bit suspect” while speaking at the White House on Monday. He did not explain what he meant by the comment.
Trump reportedly pushed FIFA directly to ensure Balogun could still play. Balogun featured in the USA’s next match against Belgium on Monday night. The Americans lost that game 4-1, and Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals.
FIFA released a statement defending Claus before the Belgium match kicked off. The governing body praised the 46-year-old Brazilian official’s long career and clean record. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” FIFA said.
FIFA also called Claus one of the world’s top referees. Officials described him as a valued member of the World Cup refereeing team.
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, backed Claus in strong terms. He called Claus “an experienced and highly respected referee” with FIFA’s full confidence.
This marks a rare public pushback from FIFA against a sitting U.S. president. Notably, FIFA did not issue a similar statement for referee Omar Artan. U.S. authorities denied Artan entry to the country last month before the tournament began.
Both Claus and Artan share a similar career path. Each official refereed a top continental final before earning a World Cup spot. FIFA selected just 52 referees worldwide for this tournament.
Claus has now worked four World Cup matches in his career. He oversaw Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the group stage. He also handled the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia in the round of 32.
The Balogun sending off marked his first red card shown at a World Cup. Trump’s suspicion may stem from an unrelated 2024 investigation in Brazil. Brazilian lawmakers had examined how referees were assigned to matches that year. However, the probe never accused Claus of any wrongdoing.
The Brazilian Football Confederation issued its own defense of Claus on Monday. The federation said nothing in his record raises any doubt about his integrity.
The controversy adds a political layer to an already tense World Cup. Fans and officials will now watch Claus’s future assignments closely.