World Cup

FIFA Releases Statement After Trump's Referee Comment

14 July 2026·4 min read·Verónica Medina
FIFA Releases Statement After Trump's Referee Comment

FIFA and the organization's Referees Committee issued an official statement in response to United States President Donald Trump's comments regarding Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus' decision.

FIFA Releases Statement After Trump's Referee Comment

According to Championat.

Context

Folarin Balogun, a forward of S сборная США, is facing challenges in his career after the incident of his leaving the match. His performance in the World Cup 2026 football will be important for his reputation and his team. The decisions of referees, like Rafael Klaus, could play a big role in his chances in the upcoming tournament.

Why it matters

The FIFA statement gave support to Rafael Klaus, who is one of the main referees in the World Cup 2026 football. His reputation as a professional judge is important not only for his career but also for the integrity of the matches in the upcoming tournament. The incident involving Folarin Balogun highlighted the challenges referees face in high level competition.

Key Points

  • FIFA Releases Statement After Trump's Referee Comment.
  • FIFA backs Rafael Klaus after Donald Trump criticizes Folarin Balogun's removal; The Committee of Judges emphasized their confidence in the Brazilian referee.
  • Фоларин Балогун remains central to Сборная США's plans.
FIFA and the organization's Referees Committee issued an official statement in response to United States President Donald Trump's comments regarding Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus' decision to send off forward Folarin Balogun. According to journalist Ben Jacobs' post on X, FIFA has emphasized the high regard they have for Rafael Klaus: he is recognized as one of the world's leading professional judges and an important member of the team of officials for the Mundial. "Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity," Jacobs said in a statement. The head of the Committee of Judges, Pierluigi Collina, also agreed with the support. According to the report published by Jacobs, Collina noted that Klaus is serving his second World Cup after the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and is considered an experienced and highly respected judge. "We have full confidence in him as a reliable combat officer," his statement was vaguely worded, according to the report.
Image
The controversy began after Klaus sent off Folarin Balogun in the United States' match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subsequently, the suspension imposed in connection with that departure was lifted — an event that caused widespread debate and discussion in the football community. FIFA did not elaborate on the exact content of Donald Trump's remarks, other than to say that the former president made comments that suggested doubting the referee's reputation. Currently, FIFA and the Referees Committee are protecting the process and credibility of their officials under rigorous selection and appointment criteria for the Mundial 2026 matches. This incident has reopened the issue of the legitimate power of referees, the process of appealing disciplinary decisions, and how big personalities should handle their public comments about game officials. As the Mundial 2026 build-up continues, expect the integrity and independence of judges to remain at the center of attention at the highest level of competition. Photo: Rafael Klaus (source image)

What's next

It is hoped that FIFA and the Referees Committee will continue to support Klaus as the World Cup 2026 approaches. Referees' decisions, such as in the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be the center of attention, especially in critical matches. Refereeing issues could affect teams and players, including Folarin Balogun, as they vie for success in the upcoming tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Folarin Balogun was removed from the match by Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus.

Who gave the statement about the referee's decision?

FIFA and the organization's Committee of Judges issued the official statement.

Why did FIFA issue a statement today?

FIFA issued a statement in response to Donald Trump's comments about the referee's decision.

What did FIFA say about Rafael Klaus?

FIFA emphasizes the high regard they have for Klaus as one of the top professional referees in the world.

What did Pierluigi Collina say about Klaus?

Collina agrees to support Klaus and says he is a reliable battle officer.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

What happened in the United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match?
Folarin Balogun was disqualified from the match by Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus.
Who gave the statement about the referee's decision?
FIFA and the organization's Committee of Judges issued the official statement.
Why did FIFA issue a statement today?
FIFA issued a statement in response to Donald Trump's comments about the referee's decision.
What did FIFA say about Rafael Klaus?
FIFA emphasizes how highly they view Klaus as one of the top professional referees in the world.
What did Pierluigi Collina say about Klaus?
Collina agrees to support Klaus and says he is a reliable battle officer.
What happened in this story?
FIFA Releases Statement After Trump's Comment on Referee summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
World Cup 2026Mundial 2026Сборная СШАФоларин БалогунРафаэл Клаус

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