In response to Trump’s comments, FIFA announced that Rafael Klaus is “one of the world’s leading professional referees.”
Published July 7, 2026
FIFA has given its full support to Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus after US President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following his controversial World Cup red card for US striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun was sent off by Klaus after a VAR check for sticking a boot into Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle during the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA later suspended Balogun’s red card suspension.
President Trump said Monday that he had asked for a review of the decision, saying that “if you look at Krause’s past, it’s a little questionable,” without providing further details.
“FIFA recognizes Rafael Klaus as one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team 1, FIFA’s elite refereeing panel for the FIFA World Cup,” FIFA said in a statement.
“Throughout his career, he has always demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
FIFA said Klaus was not available for comment in line with its policy that referees do not speak to the media during tournaments. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said referees must be respected.
“Once again, we reiterate that we must respect the referees and respect the rules that govern the match.”
“It’s very simple and can’t be overstated. Without referees there is no football.”
Pierluigi Colina, head of FIFA’s referee and referees committee, emphasized the organization’s confidence in the 46-year-old Klaus, who has refereed more than 600 matches in his career.
“Rafael Kraus is refereeing his second FIFA World Cup, the first being in Qatar in 2022,” Colina said.
“He is an experienced and highly respected referee and we have full confidence in him as a reliable match official.”
Balogun was eventually cleared to start in Monday’s last-16 match against Belgium and was named in the starting XI by manager Mauricio Pochettino.
