The Belgian football association has announced that it will not support Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, citing concerns over transparency and governance at world football’s governing body.
Belgium is now among a growing number of national football associations, including England and Italy, that have withdrawn their support for Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
FIFA confirmed on Sunday that Infantino would seek another term in office. He is currently the only candidate to have formally declared his intention to contest the election.
Belgium Demands Answers Over FIFA Decisions
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “seeking clear answers regarding the decision-making process and the next steps” concerning Infantino’s abandoned proposal to introduce private investment into the World Cup.
The Belgian FA also demanded “complete transparency and clear explanations” regarding FIFA’s decision to suspend the ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup.
Balogun received a red card during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which automatically ruled him out of the next-round match against Belgium.
However, FIFA intervened and lifted the suspension, a decision that attracted widespread criticism, particularly after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino about the matter.
“Two months after the events, we note that our questions remain unanswered to date,” said RBFA president Pascale Van Damme.
The Belgian FA has formally asked FIFA to include the Balogun case on the agenda of the next FIFA Council meeting, scheduled for October 15.
Growing Opposition to Infantino’s Leadership
The latest development adds to growing tensions within international football over Infantino’s leadership and FIFA’s decision-making processes.
Several football associations have raised concerns about plans reportedly involving a new commercial structure backed by private investors, arguing that the proposals were developed without sufficient consultation with member associations.
Infantino eventually abandoned the proposal following mounting opposition.
However, the decision has done little to ease concerns among some FIFA members, with calls for greater transparency and accountability continuing to grow ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
With Belgium now withdrawing its support, Infantino faces increasing scrutiny as he seeks to secure another term leading FIFA.
