The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, citing concerns over transparency, governance and the handling of the Folarin Balogun red-card controversy at the 2026 World Cup.
The Belgian football governing body announced its position on Monday, September 7, saying it could no longer support Infantino’s re-election campaign.
According to the RBFA, its decision was based on two major issues over which it believes FIFA has failed to provide sufficient transparency.
The first concerns the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which was abandoned after facing opposition from several football bodies.
The RBFA said a number of important decisions and assessments connected to the project had not been adequately justified, raising questions about the transparency and governance of the process.
The Belgian association said it remained in contact with UEFA as both organisations seek clearer explanations about FIFA’s decision-making process and the next steps.
The second issue concerns the red card received by United States striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup.
Balogun was initially suspended after being sent off but was later cleared to play against Belgium after his one-match ban was overturned. The decision generated controversy, with reports saying US President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino over the matter.
The RBFA said it had repeatedly requested a clear explanation for the decision and clarification on how similar cases would be handled in the future, but had yet to receive a satisfactory response.
The Belgian FA has now requested that the matter be placed on the agenda of the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15.
RBFA president Pascale Van Damme said the association had attempted to address the matter calmly and constructively with FIFA, but noted that important questions remained unanswered weeks after the World Cup.
The development comes as Infantino prepares to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at the organisation’s election in March 2027.
FIFA confirmed on Sunday that Infantino intends to contest the election, despite growing criticism of his leadership and opposition to the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. If re-elected, he would remain in office until 2031.
Belgium’s decision adds to growing pressure on Infantino, with several football associations and confederations expressing concerns over his leadership and FIFA’s decision-making processes.
However, Infantino continues to receive backing from a number of influential football regions, including Africa and South America, as the battle for the FIFA presidency ahead of the 2027 election gathers momentum.
