World News
Belgium drops support for Infantino after World Cup red card reversal
Belgium's federation will oppose Gianni Infantino's re-election bid after tournament disputes, Al Jazeera reports.
The short version
- The Royal Belgian Football Association announced it will not support Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president.[Al Jazeera]
- Belgium pointed to the reversal of US forward Folarin Balogun's red card during the 2026 World Cup and Infantino's proposals to sell championship stakes to private investors.[Al Jazeera]
- FIFA confirmed Infantino plans to contest the March 2027 election, while Belgium requested the Balogun matter be reviewed at the October 15 FIFA Council meeting.[Al Jazeera]
Key facts
- The Royal Belgian Football Association withdrew its endorsement for Gianni Infantino's fourth term as FIFA president.[Al Jazeera]
- Belgium cited the overturning of US forward Folarin Balogun's red card and proposals to sell stakes in future tournaments to private investors.[Al Jazeera]
- FIFA announced Infantino plans to stand for re-election in March 2027.[Al Jazeera]
- The FIFA Appeal Committee dismissed Belgium's appeal against the red card reversal as inadmissible.[Al Jazeera]
- US President Donald Trump previously thanked FIFA publicly for rescinding Balogun's red card ahead of the match against Belgium.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Whether the FIFA Council will agree to place the Balogun controversy on the agenda for its October 15 meeting remains unconfirmed.[Al Jazeera]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.