Trump calls referee 'suspicious' after FIFA lifts US striker's ban; Brazil and Collina defend Claus
US President Donald Trump called Brazilian referee Raphael Claus 'suspicious' after FIFA suspended the red-card ban on American striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup knockout stage. The Brazilian football federation and FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina have defended Claus's integrity.
The incident
On 2 July, US striker Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 19th minute of the second half against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review for a serious foul on Tarik Muharemovic. The direct red card meant an automatic one-match ban, ruling him out of the round of 16 against Belgium.
FIFA's surprise suspension
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee unexpectedly suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to play. The decision was confirmed by the Appeal Committee, which rejected the Belgian federation's challenge. The move sparked accusations of political interference.
Trump's intervention
President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, called the red card "unjust" and the referee "a bit suspicious", referencing past match-fixing allegations against Claus that were dismissed. Trump admitted to contacting FIFA president Infantino.
The referee is a bit suspicious... I don't want to fuel controversy but he is suspicious.
Defense of Claus
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) issued a statement rejecting any insinuation against Claus's integrity, calling him an "exemplary professional". FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina also defended Claus, stating he is an "experienced and highly respected" official.
Raphael Claus is refereeing his second World Cup... we have full confidence in him as a reliable match official.
Legal and transparency questions
Sports law expert Enrico Lubrano criticized FIFA's "absolute lack of transparency", arguing that the automatic suspension should not have been lifted without clear motivation. He noted that the Belgian federation could appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for damages.
There is an absolute absence of transparency on the part of FIFA.
Brazil's elimination
Former Brazil star Paulo Roberto Falcao, commenting on Brazil's World Cup exit, said coach Carlo Ancelotti's cycle is just beginning and that the Balogun case is "unacceptable but today everything is possible".
