FIFA defends referee Raphael Claus after Trump questions his integrity

WASHINGTON: FIFA has publicly backed Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump cast doubt on the official following the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.

The governing body said in a statement that Claus remained one of its top referees after Trump said he had requested a review of the decision and described the official as a little bit suspect if you check his past, without giving further details. Balogun had been sent off in the United States' last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review found he had planted his boot into the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic.

FIFA later suspended the ban arising from that red card, clearing Balogun to play in Monday's last-16 match against Belgium. United States coach Mauricio Pochettino then included the striker in his starting lineup for that game.

In its response, FIFA said Claus was recognised as one of the world's leading professional referees and as a valued member of Team One, the elite refereeing group at the World Cup. The organisation added that throughout his career he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. FIFA also said Claus would not comment, citing its policy that referees do not speak to the media during the tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also urged respect for match officials and the laws of the game.

"Once more, I reiterate that we must respect the referees and respect the rules that govern our game", Infantino said.

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's chief refereeing officer and chairman of the referees committee, also voiced support for Claus. He said the 46-year-old is officiating at his second FIFA World Cup after also working at the tournament in Qatar in 2022. Collina added that Claus has handled more than 600 matches during his career and said FIFA maintained full confidence in him as a trusted match official.

"Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second FIFA World Cup having been with us in Qatar in 2022", Collina said.