Key facts
- FIFA defended referee Raphael Claus after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned his integrity.
- Trump suggested Claus was "suspect" after he red-carded Folarin Balogun.
- FIFA stated Claus has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
- The European Parliament is calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino over the reversal of Balogun's red card suspension.
- Balogun was allowed to play against Belgium despite the red card, a decision criticized by UEFA and the Belgian Football Federation.
FIFA has defended referee Raphael Claus after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following Folarin Balogun's red card. The European Parliament is also calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino over the reversal of Balogun's suspension.
Trump confirmed on Monday that he had called Infantino directly to ask him to "review" a red card handed to Balogun during a match against Bosnia last week. FIFA then reversed the red card suspension, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium, a decision that has drawn widespread criticism.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp led condemnations, stating, "This is our sport, not theirs." He added that if Trump and Infantino sorted the issue between themselves, "it is madness. It calls everything into question."
Trump defended his intervention, stating that Balogun's action was not a foul and that he asked for a review from Infantino, whom he described as highly respected. Trump also called the referee "suspect" and offered to provide past information.
FIFA's referees' chief Pierluigi Collina defended Claus, calling him "experienced and highly respected." The South American Football Confederation also issued a statement in defense of the referee.
Reports indicate that U.S. officials lobbied to appeal the red card decision. Infantino, however, insisted that the decision was made independently by FIFA's judicial bodies and was not influenced by his conversation with Trump.
Several British politicians have called for Infantino's resignation, with some stating he should be sacked if he does not resign. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter questioned FIFA's integrity, asking, "Quo vadis [where are you going], FIFA?" if red cards can be overturned by political phone calls.
UEFA stated that the reversal crossed a "red line" and that a minimum one-match suspension for a red card is not discretionary. The Belgian Football Association contested Balogun's eligibility to play, and FIFA dismissed their appeal. Belgian players expressed a "sense of injustice" after the match, with some celebrating a goal with the "Trump dance" and posting "overturn this" on social media.