WASHINGTON, United States, July 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump on Monday said the referee who handed US striker Folarin Balogun a red card has a "very suspect" past.

"This referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. I don't want say that because I don't like to create controversy, but very suspect," Trump said as he justified his pressuring of FIFA to review the red card.

Referee Raphael Claus, from Brazil, ejected Balogun after the US star stepped on an opposing player's ankle during a tackle.