Overview
- Referee Raphael Claus sent off U.S. forward Folarin Balogun for stepping on Tarik Muharemović’s heel during the United States v. Bosnia and Herzegovina match, a straight red that under tournament rules triggers an automatic one-match suspension.
- FIFA reviewed the case at the U.S. federation’s request and revoked Balogun’s suspension so he could play in the next knockout match.
- President Trump told FIFA president Gianni Infantino that he had asked for a review and publicly criticized Claus, and Infantino confirmed he discussed the matter with the president.
- FIFA and Refereeing Committee chair Pierluigi Collina issued a formal statement defending Claus as a top international official and saying they have full confidence in his work.
- Claus posted a public message thanking institutions, colleagues and his family for support after the controversy, which highlights how high-profile political intervention can quickly move on-field discipline into broader reputational and governance debates.