Belgium Withdraws Support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA Re-Election Bid

Gianni Infantino has suffered another setback in his bid for re-election as FIFA president after the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) withdrew its support for his candidacy.

The Belgian federation announced on Monday that it would not back Infantino for another term, citing concerns over transparency and governance within FIFA.

The RBFA also demanded answers over FIFA’s handling of the red-card suspension handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun was initially suspended after receiving a red card but was later cleared to face Belgium after FIFA overturned the ban, a decision that attracted controversy. Belgium has asked for the matter to be discussed at the next FIFA Council meeting on October 15.

Belgian FA president Pascale Van Damme said, “Two months after the events, we note that our questions remain unanswered to date.”

The federation said it was also seeking greater transparency over Infantino’s shelved FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which involved private investment in FIFA’s commercial rights.

The decision comes as Infantino faces growing opposition ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027. England, Italy and other European associations have also withdrawn their backing, while Infantino remains the only formally declared candidate.

Despite the growing pressure, FIFA confirmed on Sunday that Infantino intends to seek a fourth term, which would keep him in office until 2031 if successful.

Belgium’s decision therefore adds to the mounting challenges facing Infantino as he prepares for next year’s FIFA presidential election.