After Trump calls Raphael Claus a 'suspicious', CBF defends Brazilian referee

'It wasn't a foul', says Trump about red card against the American team
After the President of the United States, Donald Trump, called Brazilian referee Raphael Claus a "suspicious" due to the expulsion of American striker Folarin Balogun, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) defended the professional.
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Expelled by Claus in the first knockout stage game between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Folarin Balogun had his automatic suspension revoked by FIFA and was released to face Belgium in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Trump admitted that he asked FIFA to review Balogun's suspension, which is automatically applied every time a player receives a red card.
US President Donald Trump speaks during an event to mark the launch of the "Trump Accounts" in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, DC, USA, on 6 July 2026
REUTERS/Evan Vucci
"There is, in his entire history, no element that discredits him or that supports any type of suspicion", declared the CBF in a statement. "The CBF refutes any insinuation that calls into question the integrity of Raphael Claus. He is an exemplary professional."
Trump admitted that he asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the decision to expel and suspend Balogun for a tackle on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic to be reviewed.
The American president attacked the Brazilian referee, describing him as "a little suspicious, if you look at his past."
Claus "is recognized worldwide as one of the best referees in activity and has a career marked by technical excellence, ethical conduct and absolute respect for football", reacted the CBF.
Folarin Balogun, from the USA, receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus.
Phil Noble / Reuters
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee did not reveal the reasons that led to the conversion of Balogun's automatic suspension to "a conditional game suspension, accompanied by a probationary period of one year".
The Belgian Football Federation Football (RBFA) filed an appeal against Balogun's reinstatement, which was rejected this Monday (6) by the FIFA Appeals Committee, while UEFA considered that football's highest governing body crossed "a red line" with its decision.

Source: G1