FIFA defend Balogun referee after Trump attack
FIFA defended the World Cup referee at the center of the Folarin Balogun controversy on July 6 after the official was branded "very suspect" by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a statement, FIFA said Brazilian official Rapahel Claus had "demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity" throughout his career.
Claus had shown U.S. striker Balogun a controversial red card last week, prompting Trump to lobby FIFA to review the forward's one-match suspension.
FIFA subsequently reprieved Balogun, allowing him to play in Monday's last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle, in a decision that has been widely criticised.
