Andrew Giuliani Defends Trump Push to Void Balogun Ban After 4-1 US Exit
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 8
Andrew Giuliani Defends Trump Push to Void Balogun Ban After 4-1 US Exit
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 8
Summary
Andrew Giuliani said the White House backed Donald Trump’s effort to get Fifa to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension before Monday’s match against Belgium, despite the US later losing 4-1 and exiting.
Giuliani argued Brazilian referee Raphael Claus was tied to a 2024 Senate match-fixing inquiry and said VAR was misapplied on Balogun’s red card because slow motion should not have been used for a contact foul.
Pressed by reporters, Giuliani acknowledged Claus was not accused of any crime, but maintained the referee’s link to an investigation involving “irregular red cards” made the decision “highly suspicious.”
Fifa has stood by Claus, saying this week that he has consistently shown the highest standards of professionalism and integrity throughout his career.