Donald Trump's public criticism, which cast doubt on Raphael Claus's integrity after the sending-off of American Folarin Balogun, has put FIFA in a real diplomatic and sporting crossroads and could end up "helping" the Brazilian referee.
According to UOL journalists Danilo Lavieri and Paulo Vinícius Coelho, what seemed like the natural end of the road for Claus in the tournament could now turn into an extended stay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Before the global fallout from Trump's remarks, the internal expectation was that Raphael Claus would end his involvement in the 2026 World Cup after officiating two matches: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia and United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The script would be identical to what the Brazilian experienced at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, the situation changed drastically with the controversy sparked by the alleged political interference of the United States in FIFA.
According to UOL journalists Danilo Lavieri and Paulo Vinícius Coelho, what seemed like the natural end of the road for Claus in the tournament could now turn into an extended stay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Before the global fallout from Trump's remarks, the internal expectation was that Raphael Claus would end his involvement in the 2026 World Cup after officiating two matches: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia and United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The script would be identical to what the Brazilian experienced at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, the situation changed drastically with the controversy sparked by the alleged political interference of the United States in FIFA.
23 days ago
