Belgium publicly urged FIFA to overturn Balogun’s ban, highlighting ongoing friction among UEFA members.

UEFA opposed FIFA’s ticket pricing and certain show elements, seeing them as part of governance and commercial decisions they disagree with.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was marked by a protest as UEFA president halted attendance, with a boycott signaling a deepening rift with FIFA.

FIFA’s handling of discipline, refereeing logistics, and match operations triggered clashes with UEFA, including criticism over a controversial one-match suspension related to Folarin Balogun’s red card.

Tensions extend to ticket pricing, immigration-related player participation, and changes to match pauses and halftime extensions, which UEFA did not approve.

Ceferin had attended the opening game in Mexico City earlier in the tournament, but his stance hardened as events unfolded.

Infantino’s proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams further strained ties with UEFA, contributing to the apparent divide at the final.

Infantino sat beside a prominent ally at the final, while Ceferin’s seat remained empty as a symbolic protest.

In response to the discord, FIFA announced operational changes for the event, such as mandatory hydration breaks and a longer half-time interval.

Analysts frame the moment as part of a long-running feud between Infantino and Ceferin, with the final exposing fractures between their organizations.

UEFA and FIFA differences extend to governance and refereeing interpretations, underscoring a broader, ongoing split.

Ceferin has largely avoided FIFA events in recent years, reflecting cooler relations and broader tensions in football governance.