Belgium will not support Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president

Belgium has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, saying FIFA has failed to provide sufficient transparency on two governance issues.

“

Two months after the events, we note that our questions still remain unanswered today.

The Belgian Football Association, URBSFA, said it had concerns about the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. In its view, “a series of important decisions and estimates” had not been adequately justified, raising questions about the transparency and governance of the process. The association said it shared UEFA’s position and wanted clear answers about how decisions were made and what would happen next.

Belgium also cited the case of U.S. player Folarin Balogun at the World Cup. Balogun’s suspension, imposed after he was sent off in the previous match, was canceled before the round-of-16 game against Belgium. The URBSFA said it had asked FIFA to explain the decision and clarify how similar cases would be handled in the future.

“

The necessary explanations

“Two months after the events, we note that our questions still remain unanswered today,” Belgian federation president Pascale Van Damme said. She called for “the necessary explanations” and possible improvements so comparable cases could be handled “clearly, consistently and effectively.”

“

Clearly, consistently and effectively.

The URBSFA has asked for the Balogun case to be added to the agenda of the FIFA Council’s next meeting on Oct. 15. Van Damme is a member of the council. Belgium said it remained open to “constructive cooperation” with FIFA, but insisted that transparent and rigorous handling of the issues was essential to protect good governance and the credibility of international football.

“

Constructive cooperation