Belgium turns on Infantino as FIFA confirms 2027 re-election bid
Belgium have withdrawn their support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president, adding to mounting opposition to his leadership as a public campaign calls for his removal and FIFA confirms he will still seek another term in 2027.
Belgium’s football federation has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s campaign for another term as FIFA president, citing concerns over governance, transparency and recent decision-making by world football’s governing body.The Royal Belgian Football Association said its position reflected unanswered questions surrounding the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise investment proposal and FIFA’s handling of the disciplinary case involving United States forward Folarin Balogun.The Belgian federation said: “The RBFA notes that, in this matter, a number of important decisions and assessments have, to date, not been sufficiently substantiated by adequate justifications.”“This raises questions regarding the transparency and governance of this process. We remain in close contact with UEFA and, together, we are seeking clear answers regarding the decision-making process and the next steps.”The decision adds another European association to the opposition facing Infantino after the collapse of FIFA Forward Enterprise, which proposed selling a 20% stake in FIFA commercial and event operations for US$4.2bn.The plan was abandoned following widespread resistance, with UEFA challenging both the valuation and governance process and subsequently seeking documents in the US ahead of possible legal action in Switzerland.Pressure has also moved beyond football institutions.A digital billboard campaign appeared in New York’s Times Square on September 4 calling for Infantino’s removal, with messages including “FIFA DESERVES A LEADER NOT A DEALER” and “SOCCER CONFEDERATIONS: REMOVE INFANTINO.”The campaign targeted Infantino over the abandoned investment plan and urged football’s confederations and national associations to act against his leadership.The public intervention adds a reputational dimension to a dispute that is already affecting FIFA’s relationships with some of its most important stakeholders.Despite the growing opposition, FIFA has confirmed Infantino will contest the presidential election scheduled for March 2027.A FIFA spokesperson said: “The FIFA President announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election.”Infantino was first elected in 2016 and was returned unopposed in 2019 and 2023. Victory next year would keep him in office until 2031.No challenger has yet formally entered the race, although prospective candidates must secure backing from at least five FIFA member associations before the November nomination deadline.The battle over FIFA’s leadership is increasingly intertwined with its commercial direction, particularly how the organisation raises capital, distributes revenues and governs major transactions involving its most valuable assets.Belgium has also requested that the Balogun disciplinary case be placed on the agenda for the next FIFA Council meeting on October 15, ensuring the governance dispute will continue well before the election process reaches its decisive stage.