Sports

Belgium Renews Push for Fifa Explanation Over Balogun's Lifted World Cup Ban, Rejects Infantino's Re-election Bid

By BBC Sport

Belgium's Football Association (RBFA) says it is still awaiting answers from Fifa regarding the decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium at the World Cup, and has requested that the matter be placed on the agenda for the next Fifa Council meeting.

The controversy stemmed from one of the most debated incidents of the tournament, when Balogun was cleared to play for co-host nation USA in their last-16 match against Belgium. This followed a one-game suspension, triggered by a straight red card in an earlier match, being suspended for a year by Fifa - an unusual ruling that drew significant criticism. The decision faced added scrutiny after reports surfaced that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa on the matter. Both Uefa and the RBFA were among the organizations to challenge the ruling.

The RBFA stated it had requested Fifa provide "a clear justification of the decisions taken and details on how such situations will be handled in the future." Balogun, who had scored three goals earlier in the tournament, started the match, which Belgium won 4-1. Belgium was later eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals.

In a statement issued Monday, the RBFA confirmed it wants the issue addressed at the Fifa Council meeting scheduled for October 15, and announced it will not back Gianni Infantino's campaign for another term as Fifa president.

RBFA president Pascale van Damme said: "Two months after the events, our questions remain unanswered. Given the importance of transparency and clarity for all parties involved, we request the necessary explanations and, at the same time, wish to explore where improvements to the current processes are possible, so that similar cases can be handled in a clear, consistent and efficient manner in the future. Together with Uefa, the other confederations and the national associations, we remain committed to transparency in decision-making, strong governance and clear processes. We remain open to constructive cooperation, in the interest of the trust, integrity and future of football."

Balogun's red card was the 189th in World Cup history, and only the second such card - after Brazil's Garrincha in 1962 - not to result in an actual suspension being served. Fifa has not provided a full explanation for its decision, referencing only "article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code," which permits the organization "to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure." No other suspensions were lifted during the 2026 World Cup.

Infantino, who has served as Fifa president since 2016, confirmed this week that he intends to seek re-election in March. He has faced considerable pressure following revelations of a now-abandoned proposal to sell stakes in Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, to private investment firms.

Belgium's football association joins a growing number of national bodies opposing Infantino's continued leadership. The RBFA cited two reasons for withholding its support: the handling of the Balogun case and the Fifa Forward Enterprise plan to sell competition stakes to private investors.