The Belgian football association has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, citing concerns over transparency and governance within world football’s governing body.
Belgium joins a growing number of national associations, including England and Italy, that have withdrawn their backing for Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
FIFA confirmed on Sunday that Infantino would seek another term. He is currently the only declared candidate.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was seeking “clear answers regarding the decision-making process and the next steps” surrounding Infantino’s abandoned plan to bring private investment into the World Cup.
The association also demanded “complete transparency and clear explanations” over FIFA’s decision to suspend the ban imposed on US forward Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup.
Balogun received an automatic suspension after being sent off during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would have ruled him out of the subsequent match against Belgium.
However, FIFA intervened and lifted the suspension, triggering widespread criticism after it 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,” RBFA president Pascale Van Damme said.
The Belgian FA has formally requested that FIFA place the Balogun case on the agenda for the next FIFA Council meeting on October 15.
Infantino Faces Growing Opposition
The Belgian FA’s decision comes amid increasing divisions among football governing bodies over Infantino’s leadership.
Critics have accused the FIFA president of pursuing plans for a new commercial structure involving private investors without adequate consultation with member associations.
Infantino abandoned the proposal in the face of mounting opposition, but the decision has failed to resolve concerns among several national football associations.
Belgium’s withdrawal of support adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding Infantino as he seeks another term at the head of world football’s governing body.
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