United States President Donald Trump has questioned the background of World Cup official Raphael Claus.Claus was the referee who produced a red card for United States forward Folarin Balogun in their Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina.Claus ignited a storm by sending Balogun offGettyHowever, in an astonishing turn of events, an intervention from Trump – exclusively revealed by talkSPORT and confirmed by the President – ensured Balogun would have his ban overturned, meaning he is now available to play in the USMNT’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium.The decision, ultimately made by FIFA, sent shockwaves through the football community.Many have called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign over his role in the ruling while Belgium announced they would launch an appeal over the ruling just hours before kick-off.Trump questions World Cup official’s historyThe narrative has now taken yet another drastic turn, as the US President labelled Claus ‘very, very suspect’.“I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports,” Trump said during the launch of Trump Accounts.“I understand sports well, really well. That wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash. You can’t take your foot and properly place it on someone else’s foot. These are two great athletes that got tangled up. “And this referee, who is a little bit suspect, if you check his past. I don’t want to say that, because I don’t want to create controversy. But very suspect. If you like, I’ll provide you with the past. “He made a call that no-one could believe.”What was Raphael Claus’ past that President Trump alluded to?Claus was previously investigated by Brazilian authorities due to a 2024 parliamentary inquiry.The 46-year-old was summoned as a witness to speak on match-fixing.Trump was all too happy to dredge up Claus’ pastAFPA number of Brazilian clubs, including Botafogo, had voiced their concerns regarding Claus’ in-game decisions along with alleged patterns of irregular cards in top-flight matches.Claus was ultimately found not guilty of any wrongdoing by the Brazilian Football Confederation.He also did not face any charges, with investigators unable to uncover any direct evidence that linked him to illegal schemes.Which World Cup games has Claus officiated?The controversial USMNT versus Bosnia and Herzegovina was Claus’ second appointment at this year’s World Cup.Claus’ first match was a group fixture between Spain and Saudi Arabia.The 2026 World Cup is the Brazilian’s second, having officiated at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.Claus was entrusted with two group stage matches in 2022: England versus Iran and Morocco versus Canada.