FIFA defend Balogun referee after Trump attack
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Politics
July 7, 2026
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LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP)—FIFA defended the World Cup referee at the centre of the Folarin Balogun controversy on Monday after the official was branded “very suspect” by US President Donald Trump.
In a statement, FIFA said Brazilian official Rapahel Claus had “demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity” throughout his career.
Claus had shown US striker Balogun a controversial red card last week, prompting Trump to lobby FIFA to review the forward’s one-match suspension.
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