Infantino loses more support after World Cup sell-off scandal and Balogun red card ruling

WorldFootball
7 Sep 2026 • 5:52 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Infantino loses more support after World Cup sell-off scandal and Balogun red card ruling

  • The Royal Belgian Football Association has formally announced it will not support Gianni Infantino's campaign for another term as Fifa president, citing significant concerns regarding transparency and governance within world football's governing body.
  • Belgium's decision stems from controversial Fifa initiatives, including a withdrawn plan to sell commercial World Cup stakes to private equity firms for 4.2 billion dollars, as well as the questionable handling of a player suspension during the World Cup.
  • Fifa faced severe criticism after deferring a mandatory one-match ban for US forward Folarin Balogun following direct contact from US president Donald Trump, allowing Balogun to play in the United States' 4-1 defeat against Belgium.
  • Royal Belgian Football Association president Pascale Van Damme stated that key questions regarding the disciplinary decision remain unanswered two months on, prompting the federation to request the matter be officially placed on the Fifa Council's agenda for 15 October.
  • Infantino continues to seek re-election for a final term lasting until 2031, despite losing the support of several national federations and facing strong opposition from Uefa, which has previously raised the possibility of boycotting Fifa tournaments.

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