Belgium Withdraws Support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino Following Controversial World Cup Decisions

FIFA president Gianni Infantino received a phone call from US President Donald Trump, requesting a review of Folarin Balogun's red card during the World Cup.

Belgium’s football federation has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to run for a fourth term as FIFA president. The decision comes in response to his handling of a controversial red card reversal for USA player Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, alongside his plans to sell stakes in future world championships to private investors.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) released a statement on Monday criticizing Infantino’s lack of transparency regarding both issues, emphasizing that it could no longer support the FIFA president. FIFA confirmed Infantino’s intention to stand for re-election in the March 2027 vote, stating his plans had not changed.

The 56-year-old has faced mounting pressure and backlash from several national associations and regional confederations over his proposed sell-off plan, which he ultimately abandoned. Further controversy arose during the World Cup when United States President Donald Trump publicly thanked football’s governing body on his Truth Social platform for overturning USA forward Balogun’s red card ahead of their round of 16 match against Belgium.

US Soccer welcomed the decision, stating they were pleased Folarin Balogun was eligible to compete. Meanwhile, the RBFA challenged the decision, but the FIFA Appeal Committee deemed their appeal “inadmissible.” The Belgian association accused FIFA of breaching regulations for failing to provide proper justifications and requested that the Balogun case be added to the agenda for the FIFA Council meeting on October 15.

Additionally, the RBFA pointed to the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary inviting private investment into the World Cup, as a key factor in withdrawing support. RBFA president Pascale Van Damme stated that the federation remains in close contact with UEFA to push for greater transparency and governance in international football.