The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) stated on Monday that it will not support Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president. This decision comes as the Belgian national team, the Red Devils, sits top of their World Cup 2026 qualifying group with 5 points from three games. The RBFA cited major concerns over governance and transparency within world football's governing body. The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027, with Infantino currently the only declared candidate.
The Belgian federation is demanding clear answers on several issues that have marred international football. It specifically highlighted the opaque process that led to the lifting of US forward Folarin Balogun's suspension during the recent World Cup. Balogun received a red card in the round of 16 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic ban for the next match against Belgium. FIFA stepped in to overturn that suspension, a move that sparked widespread condemnation. It later emerged that US President Donald Trump had phoned Infantino about the case. RBFA president Pascale Van Damme said, "Two months after the events, we note that our questions remain unanswered to date." Belgium has formally requested the Balogun case be placed on the agenda of the next FIFA Council meeting on 15 October.
The discontent extends beyond the Balogun affair. In recent weeks, football's governing bodies have become increasingly divided over Infantino's leadership. Critics accuse him of developing plans for a new commercial structure involving private investment in the World Cup without sufficient consultation with member associations. Although the proposal was quickly shelved due to mounting opposition, the move failed to quell concerns. For several federations, including Belgium, this episode symbolizes an autocratic governance style and a lack of dialogue. This crisis unfolds against a busy sporting backdrop for the Red Devils, who have lost their last two matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Spain on July 10, and face a important away fixture against Italy on September 25.
While this is an institutional matter, it plays out behind the scenes of the team's push to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Red Devils have scored 6 goals and conceded 2, but their recent form has been inconsistent with three wins and two losses in their last five outings. The squad is also dealing with the absence of midfielder Amadou Onana, who is currently sidelined. The upcoming trip to Italy represents a significant test in the qualification race. The staff and players can focus on the pitch, but the federation is fighting for greater integrity at the highest level. Fans can track the squad's status and player stats via our squad page.
Belgium's position adds significant pressure on Gianni Infantino with less than eighteen months until the vote. The Belgian federation, through its president, has made clear it expects substantive explanations before reconsidering its support. The request to put the Balogun case on the FIFA Council agenda in October is a maneuver to force a public debate. If other major federations follow the move, the campaign for the March 2027 vote could become far more contested. The national team, meanwhile, prepares for its match against Italy, scheduled for 25 September 2026.
