Belgium Demands Answers Over Balogun's World Cup Reinstatement, Won't Back Infantino for FIFA Presidency

Belgium's football association is still pushing for an explanation over the decision that allowed Folarin Balogun to play against them at the World Cup, and wants the matter placed on the agenda at the next FIFA Council meeting.

The controversy stems from one of the tournament's most talked-about moments over the summer, when Balogun was cleared to play for co-hosts USA in their last-16 match against Belgium. Balogun had picked up a straight red card in his previous game, which should have ruled him out, but FIFA suspended the one-match ban for a year, allowing him to feature.

The decision was widely criticized at the time, particularly after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied Fifa on the matter. UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association were among the bodies to publicly question the ruling.

The RBFA said it had formally asked Fifa for "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 up to that point in the tournament, started the match, which Belgium went on to win 4-1. Belgium were later eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals.

In a statement released Monday, the RBFA confirmed it wants the issue formally discussed at the FIFA Council meeting scheduled for October 15, and announced it will not support Gianni Infantino's bid for another term as Fifa president.

RBFA president Pascale van Damme said the association is still waiting for clarity two months on. "Two months after the events, our questions remain unanswered," she said. "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." 

She added that Belgium remains committed to working with other football bodies on the issue. "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 only the second in World Cup history, after Brazil's Garrincha in 1962, not to result in an actual suspension being served. Fifa has not fully explained its reasoning beyond citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows the organization to fully or partially suspend a disciplinary measure. No other suspensions were lifted during the 2026 tournament.

The controversy comes at a difficult time for Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016 and confirmed this week that he intends to stand for re-election in March. He has faced growing pressure recently following revelations about a now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, to private investment firms.

Belgium is now the latest football association to publicly oppose Infantino remaining in charge, with the RBFA citing both the Balogun decision and the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan as its reasons for withholding support.