Bizarre video call forces KBVB to break with FIFA boss Infantino

The Belgian Football Association (KBVB) officially announced yesterday that they do not support the candidacy of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, after a bizarre video call that was seen as the last straw. Niels Vleminckx of Sport reported the development. The decision follows increasing pressure from Washington and revelations about the sale of the World Cup.

Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino washed a red card. The American leader had, through a single phone call, reversed the suspension of American striker Balogun. This interference was regarded by the FIFA chief as a red card, after which he tried to make the sanction disappear.

Pressure from Washington

The FIFA chief tried to sell the World Cup to private investors behind the backs of his member associations. This was done without the knowledge of the member associations, including the Belgian Football Association. The FIFA president therefore received sharp questions from the member associations.

And yet the Belgian Football Association remained silent – until now. The lack of a public response was later explained as a result of protocol and the desire to first gather all the facts. The KBVB's response only came after months of hesitation.

Formal objections and international reaction

On 3 July the KBVB sent an initial e‑mail with a formal objection to the headquarters in Zurich. On 27 July a detailed official letter followed, requesting motivation, transparency and structural solutions, so that a future head‑of‑state intervention would no longer be possible.

A day later ‘The Times’ broke the news that Infantino had tried to sell the commercial rights of the World Cup to the circle around Donald Trump, without informing the member associations. Several countries, including Norway, England and the Netherlands, withdrew their support for the FIFA president.

The KBVB informed, via an official letter to the FIFA chief and his secretary‑general Mattias Grafström, that Infantino’s candidacy for a new presidency will not be supported. This step came after Infantino had confirmed his intention to run for another term.

In the round of 16 of the World Cup the Red Devils beat the United States 4‑1, with goals from Hans Vanaken, Charles De Ketelaere and Romelu Lukaku. The victory was seen as a sporting answer to the political interference of American President Donald Trump.