Pakistan, July 7 -- FIFA publicly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following the controversial red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun during the FIFA World Cup. The governing body praised Claus for his professionalism and reaffirmed its confidence in his ability to officiate at the highest level despite growing public debate.

The controversy began after Claus sent off Balogun during the United States' last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina following a VAR review. The striker received a straight red card for planting his boot on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic, resulting in an automatic suspension before FIFA later decided to suspend the one-mat...