Brazilian federation backs referee’s integrity after Donald Trump criticism over Folarin Balogun 2026 World Cup red | OneFootball

The Brazilian Football Confederation defended the integrity of referee Raphael Claus after criticism from Donald Trump over Folarin Balogun’s 2026 World Cup red card. The federation said in a statement that Claus is an exemplary professional and that any insinuation questioning his integrity is rejected.

Trump had condemned the official’s performance, labelling him horrible and very dubious.

Claus dismissed Balogun on Wednesday night in the round of 32 between the USA and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Monaco striker was shown red for stepping on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s leg in the 64th minute.

Balogun’s initial sanction was later commuted to a one-match suspended ban with a one-year probationary period.

That change came after an intervention by Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Source: L'Équipe