Belgian FA joins growing opposition to Infantino’s re‑election

In a packed Brussels press room on the 7th, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced it would not support Gianni Infantino’s bid for another FIFA presidency, citing opaque governance and an unresolved World Cup suspension case.

The FIFA presidential election is being moved to March next year, and Infantino is seeking re‑election amid mounting criticism from several European associations.

FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) – a plan to sell shares of the World Cup and other flagship tournaments to private investors – provoked fierce backlash and was withdrawn on 1 August after intense opposition.

UEFA eyes alternative candidate

Further damage to Infantino’s standing stems from a scandal during his tenure as UEFA secretary‑general, where a relationship with a female staff member led to a large severance payout.

UEFA is reportedly considering backing a rival candidate and even exploring a criminal complaint against the incumbent.

FIFA reiterated in April that the president will stand again in 2027 and that nothing has changed, while a later statement suggested the next term could run until 2031, highlighting a discrepancy in the organisation’s messaging.

Balogun suspension sparks controversy

RBFA also highlighted the handling of United States forward Folarin Balogun’s World Cup case. After a VAR‑reviewed red card in the round of 32 against Bosnia‑Herzegovina, FIFA granted a one‑year grace period on a suspension that should have affected Belgium’s round of 16 match.

The decision was reportedly influenced by former US President Donald Trump, adding a political dimension to the dispute.

RBFA said “important questions remain unanswered” and demanded a clear explanation of the Balogun ruling and of the FFE process. It has not received a satisfactory response and will raise the issue at the FIFA council meeting on the 15th of next month.