Brazil’s football federation on Monday defended the integrity of a referee who US President Donald Trump said was “a little bit suspect”, amid a furore over FIFA’s reversal of a red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun.
Trump took a swipe at Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who showed Balogun the red card, in the latest episode of a fraught relationship between Washington and Brasilia.
“There is nothing in his record that discredits him or gives grounds for any suspicion,” the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement sent to AFP.
“The CBF rejects any insinuation casting doubt on Raphael Claus’s integrity. He is an exemplary professional.”
Trump confirmed Monday he asked FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the “horrible” decision to hand a red card to Balogun, but said he did not request it be overturned.
