Gianni Infantino has lost Swiss support. The Swiss Football Association has withdrawn its backing. The decision was made ahead of next year’s FIFA election.
The move marks a change in position. Infantino had been supported by the SFV in June. The decision was linked to concerns. Questions over FIFA’s leadership and governance were raised.
Support Is Withdrawn
The SFV executive board met on September 25. Its earlier support for Infantino was then reversed. The association said recent events had changed its view.
Concerns were raised over transparency. Decision-making within FIFA was also questioned. SFV president Peter Knäbel said key issues remained unclear.
“As these have not been convincingly clarified, we cannot justify continuing to support Gianni Infantino’s candidacy,” he said.
World Cup Plan Sparked Anger
The dispute grew after a FIFA investment plan was proposed. The plan involved FIFA Forward Enterprise. Private investors could have taken stakes in a new company.
The company was meant to handle major FIFA events. The World Cup and Club World Cup were included. The plan was later withdrawn. FIFA also acknowledged that its handling of the proposal should have been different.
The proposal triggered opposition across football. Several European associations later withdrew their support.
Balogun Case Added Pressure
The SFV also pointed to another controversy. United States forward Folarin Balogun had been sent off at the World Cup. His one-match ban was later suspended.
That allowed him to play against Belgium. The decision followed a request from US President Donald Trump to Infantino. The case drew criticism from European football officials. Questions were raised over FIFA’s decision-making process.
The English FA has since sought records. It asked for documents linked to the case and the abandoned investment plan.
FIFA Election Draws Attention
Infantino is seeking another term. The FIFA election is due in March 2027. Candidate nominations must be submitted by November 18.
Infantino is currently the only declared candidate. His support, however, is being challenged in Europe. UEFA and several national associations have called for changes. Wider reforms to FIFA’s governance are also being demanded.
Infantino has proposed consultations on governance. An independent review has also been discussed. The Swiss FA said it would continue working with FIFA. It also said greater transparency was needed.
Support Remains Elsewhere
Infantino still has support outside Europe. Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup, remains supportive. CAF and CONMEBOL have also backed him.
The Swiss decision therefore does not end his campaign. Instead, it adds pressure before the election. The debate over FIFA’s leadership is likely to continue.
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