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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) \u2014 FIFA defended its honor world cup<\/span> Referee Rafael Kraus reacts to US President Donald’s comments in an unusual way Trump’s sincerity questioned<\/span> For sending off Folarin Balogun.<\/p>\nSpeaking 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.<\/p>\n
Klaus gave Balogun a red card in last week’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. cause a commotion<\/span> President Trump intervened with FIFA to ensure that the U.S. national team’s forwards could play. They will play Belgium later on Monday.<\/span>.<\/p>\nIn 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<\/span> On to the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n“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.”<\/p>\n
FIFA did not issue a similar statement of public support. Somali referee Omar Altan<\/span>U.S. authorities denied him entry last month ahead of the tournament.<\/p>\nLike 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“He is an experienced and highly respected referee,” FIFA referee Pierluigi Collina said. “We have full confidence in him as a reliable match referee.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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