The Brazilian football federation [CBF] have become the latest World Cup party to criticise the Folarin Balogun affair.
Balogun has seen his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina ‘suspended’ by FIFA in unprecedented scenes.
Multiple reliable reports claim the White House lobbied FIFA to make the decision, which Trump has as good as confirmed.
He then went further in statements, criticising referee Raphael Claus who awarded the initial red card.
Trump calls Balogun referee suspicious
He said of the Brazilian: “They were two great athletes who got tangled up, and this referee, who is a bit suspicious if you check his record…
“I don’t want to say this because I don’t like to create controversy, but he’s very suspicious.
“If you want, I can show you his record. He made a decision that nobody could believe.”
The comments have caused outrage in Brazil, with the CBF defending the official.
Brazil federation make Trump statement
A statement from the federation read: “Raphael Claus is a member of the CBF’s professional refereeing staff, is recognised worldwide as one of the best referees currently active, and has a career marked by technical excellence, ethical conduct, and absolute respect for football.
“Throughout his entire history, there is nothing that discredits him or that would support any kind of suspicion.
“The CBF refutes any insinuation that casts doubt on the integrity of Raphael Claus.
“He is an exemplary professional whose career is widely supported by technical evaluations, consistent performance, and the confidence of major national and international competitions.
“The CBF reaffirms its commitment to truth, transparency, and the unwavering defence of its professionals.”
South American football’s governing body, Conmebol, then joined in with the condemnation.
They added: “The Referees Committee of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) wishes to express its full appreciation for the career, professionalism, honesty, independence, and professional competence of South American referee Raphael Claus, qualities amply demonstrated throughout his distinguished career in international refereeing.
“In this regard, the Commission expresses its full and unrestricted support for his work, reaffirming its confidence in his professionalism, his integrity, and the commitment with which he performs his duties in service to world football.”
Later, another statement came from the São Paulo Football Federation, to which Claus belongs.
They wrote: “The São Paulo Football Federation expresses its unwavering support for São Paulo referee Raphael Claus in the face of regrettable insinuations that attempt, without any basis, to cast doubt on his integrity and professional career.
“Claus has an impeccable reputation and a career built on ethics, seriousness, dedication, and technical excellence, without any incident that casts doubt on his professional integrity.
“His resume demonstrates the trust he has earned both domestically and internationally. Claus was selected for two editions of the World Cup and chosen to officiate the 2024 Copa América final, in addition to numerous appointments for high-profile matches, including seven Paulista Championship finals and several individual awards.
“The São Paulo Football Federation reaffirms its confidence and pride in having Raphael Claus on its roster of referees and will continue to defend its professionals against any attempt at unfair or offensive disqualification.”
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