The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) will not support Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, citing concerns over transparency, governance and decision-making 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Belgium joins a growing number of national associations, including England and Italy, that have withdrawn their backing for Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027.
FIFA confirmed on Sunday that Infantino would seek another term. He is currently the only declared candidate.
The RBFA said it was seeking “clear answers regarding the decision-making process and the next steps” following Infantino’s abandoned plan to bring private investment into the World Cup.
The Belgian FA also demanded “complete transparency and clear explanations” over FIFA’s decision to suspend the ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup.
Balogun was sent off during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic suspension for their next match against Belgium.
However, FIFA intervened to lift the suspension, sparking widespread criticism, particularly after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino by phone.
“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 asked FIFA to include the Balogun case on the agenda for the next FIFA Council meeting on October 15.
The dispute comes amid growing tensions between FIFA and several national associations 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 shelved the proposal following mounting opposition, but the decision has done little to ease concerns over FIFA’s governance and transparency.
