Belgium FA Withdraws Support for Infantino Ahead of 2027 FIFA Presidential Election

The Belgian Football Association has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing concerns among European football bodies over transparency and governance at world football’s governing organisation.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced the decision on Monday, saying it wanted clearer answers about FIFA’s decision-making processes and recent controversial developments under Infantino’s leadership.

Belgium is now among a growing number of national associations, including England and Italy, that have declined to back Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. FIFA confirmed on Sunday that Infantino would seek another term, with the Swiss-Italian currently the only declared candidate.

The RBFA said it was particularly concerned about Infantino’s abandoned proposal to introduce private investment into the World Cup. The Belgian body said it was seeking “complete transparency and clear explanations” about how the proposal was developed and the decisions surrounding it.

The association also questioned FIFA’s handling of the suspension involving 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, triggering an automatic suspension for the subsequent match against Belgium.

FIFA later lifted the suspension, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. The decision sparked criticism, particularly after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino by phone before the ban was overturned.

“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 place the Balogun case on the agenda of the next FIFA Council meeting, scheduled for October 15. It said the matter requires further explanation to address questions surrounding the process that led to the suspension being lifted.

Infantino’s proposed commercial investment structure has also deepened tensions between FIFA and some of its member associations. Critics have questioned whether the plan received adequate consultation, while Infantino ultimately abandoned the proposal amid mounting opposition.

The Belgian decision comes as scrutiny of FIFA leadership intensifies ahead of next year’s presidential election. With Infantino currently unopposed, the growing number of associations withholding support could increase pressure for greater transparency and accountability within the organisation.