Fifa have backed the referee branded as “suspect” by Donald Trump after the US president intervened to get Folarin Balogun’s red card suspended.
Balogun was shown a straight red card by referee Raphael Claus during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic in which he appeared to scrape his studs down the calf of the defender before landing on, and twisting, his ankle.
However, Fifa made the surprising and highly controversial decision to “suspend” Balogun’s red card for a probationary period of a year to allow him to play in the co-hosts’ last-16 clash with Belgium, invoking Article 27 of the disciplinary code – which states: “The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
That decision followed a conversation between Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino sparking serious question of whether sporting integrity has been compromised, with Uefa, Belgium’s FA and numerous other footballing bodies condemning the move.
Trump went on to openly admit that he called Infantino asking for a review and took aim at Claus, questioning the Brazilian official’s past.
“I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports… That wasn’t a foul,” Trump said, speaking at the White House on Monday.
“That wasn’t even an infraction. This referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe. He’s our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card. I didn’t know what that meant… Yes, I asked for a review by Fifa.
“I didn’t know what the hell a red card was. When I found out, I said, ‘You gotta be kidding!’”
Fifa have now responded by standing in support with Claus.
“Fifa recognises Raphael Claus as one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One at the Fifa World Cup,” a statement read. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
“It is very simple and cannot ever be overstated – without referees, there is no football.”
Claus has officiated in over 600 matches in his career and Pierluigi Collina, Fifa’s Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the Referees Committee, emphasised the organisation’s faith in the 46-year-old.
“Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second Fifa World Cup having been with us in Qatar in 2022,” Collina said. “He is an experienced and highly respected referee and we maintain full confidence in him as a trusted match official.”
