MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — FIFA defended its honor world cup Referee Rafael Kraus reacts to US President Donald’s comments in an unusual way Trump’s sincerity questioned For sending off Folarin Balogun.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump suggested the 46-year-old Brazilian was “a little bit suspicious if you look at his past.” He didn’t give details.
Klaus gave Balogun a red card in last week’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. cause a commotion President Trump intervened with FIFA to ensure that the U.S. national team’s forwards could play. They will play Belgium later on Monday..
In a statement released ahead of the United States, FIFA praised Klaus, who is playing in his second World Cup. Lost to Belgium with a 4-1 loss On to the quarterfinals.
“Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” FIFA said, calling Klaus “one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of the World Cup match officials team.”
FIFA did not issue a similar statement of public support. Somali referee Omar AltanU.S. authorities denied him entry last month ahead of the tournament.
Like Artan, Klaus was selected by FIFA as one of 52 referees for the World Cup after officiating in the finals of top-level competitions on his home continent.
Klaus was the referee for Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the group stage and the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia in the Round of 32. Balogun became the first player to be sent off in Klaus’ four World Cup matches.
“He is an experienced and highly respected referee,” FIFA referee Pierluigi Collina said. “We have full confidence in him as a reliable match referee.”
President Trump’s comments may be related to a match-fixing investigation that will be held in Brazil’s Senate in 2024. Lawmakers scrutinized the way referees were assigned to games, but did not accuse Mr. Kraus of wrongdoing.
Brazil’s soccer federation said Monday that there is “nothing in the record that calls into question his integrity or supports any suspicion of wrongdoing.”
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