# Brazil Federation Supports Referee Amid Trump Criticism in Balogun Red Card Reversal

*Brazil's football federation has defended the integrity of a referee criticized by US President Donald Trump following FIFA's reversal of a red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun.*

July 7, 2026 · Sports

## At a glance

- Brazil's football federation defends referee criticized by Trump.
- Referee has a clean record and is an exemplary professional, says CBF.
- Incident highlights challenges in maintaining impartiality in international football.

Brazil's football federation has defended the integrity of a referee who US President Donald Trump said was 'a little bit suspect', amid a furore over FIFA's reversal of a red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun. 'There is nothing in his record that discredits him or gives grounds for any suspicion,' the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement. 'He is an exemplary professional.'

## Background of the Incident

The controversy erupted after a match where US striker Folarin Balogun was initially given a red card. FIFA later reversed this decision, sparking debate and criticism from various quarters, including US President Donald Trump. Trump's comments added fuel to the fire, questioning the referee's impartiality.

## CBF's Defense of the Referee

In response to the growing criticism, the CBF issued a statement defending the referee's professionalism and integrity. The federation emphasized that the referee has a clean record and has always conducted himself as an exemplary professional. The CBF's defense aims to quell any doubts about the referee's capabilities and fairness.

## Implications for International Football

This incident highlights the challenges faced by international football governing bodies in maintaining impartiality and fairness in their decisions. The involvement of high-profile figures like US President Donald Trump underscores the global attention such decisions receive. It also raises questions about the influence of external factors on football decisions.

## Why This Matters

For Bangladesh, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and global implications of international sports. It emphasizes the need for fair and transparent decision-making processes in sports, ensuring that athletes and officials are judged based on merit and performance rather than external influences.

## Sources

- BSS

---
Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/brazil-federation-defends-referee-criticized-by-trump-in-balogun-incident