FIFA Defends Referee Rafael Claus Amidst Controversy

New York. International Football Federation (FIFA) has fully defended Brazilian referee Rafael Claus and expressed support in his favor. FIFA has defended the referee after US President Donald Trump questioned the decision to give a red card to US striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup football match. FIFA had previously suspended Balogun's red card ban after it was given for striking Tarik Muharemovic's ankle with his boot in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check. However, US President Trump on Monday demanded a review of the decision, commenting that referee Claus's past is 'somewhat questionable'. Although Trump did not elaborate further on the matter, FIFA immediately issued a statement defending the referee's impartiality and professionalism. FIFA stated in its statement, 'FIFA recognizes Rafael Claus as one of the world's leading professional referees and an important member of FIFA's elite referee group – Team One – at the FIFA World Cup. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated high standards of professionalism and integrity.' Due to FIFA's policy that referees are not allowed to speak to the media during World Cup competitions, Claus was unavailable for comment, FIFA said. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the need for respect towards referees. He said, 'I want to reiterate that we must respect the referees and respect the rules that govern our game. It is very simple and can never be underestimated. Without referees, football is not possible.' Similarly, FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the Referees' Committee, Pierluigi Collina, also clarified that the organization has full confidence in the 46-year-old referee Claus. Claus has officiated over 600 matches in his career. Collina said, 'Rafael Claus also officiated at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and this is his second FIFA World Cup. He is an experienced and highly respected referee, and we have full confidence in him as a trusted match official.' After the red card ban was lifted, US player Balogun was included in the starting lineup for the Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday, and coach Mauricio Pochettino fielded him on the field.