Referee at center of World Cup red-card scandal was investigated for match-fixing in Brazil

Raphael Claus, the Brazilian referee who issued a controversial red card to American player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, has previously faced scrutiny for match-fixing allegations in Brazil. This latest incident has reignited concerns about Claus's integrity and his impact on high-stakes matches. The red card, which suspended Balogun for a game, has drawn significant attention and debate about refereeing decisions in international football. This episode underscores the broader issues of referee bias and the need for stricter oversight in global sports competitions.