The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has announced its decision to withdraw support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid. This move comes as several leading European national associations have pulled their support for Infantino following his proposals to create a commercial subsidiary to run FIFA's biggest events. The SFV's decision carries significant weight as Infantino is Swiss and both FIFA and UEFA are based in Switzerland.
Infantino's plan would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. However, the backlash that followed led to the proposals being quickly shelved. The SFV cited events in recent months that raised fundamental questions over leadership, governance, transparency, and decision-making processes within FIFA. This includes Infantino's FFE plans and the lifting of red-carded United States forward Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension during this year's World Cup.
The SFV's executive board met and decided to withdraw the support it had declared in June 2026 for Infantino's candidacy for a further term as FIFA president. SFV president Peter Knabel stated that Swiss football's governing body expected FIFA's leadership to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and institutional responsibility. Knabel emphasized that key questions regarding the background, responsibilities, and decision-making processes remain unanswered.
UEFA, the regional federation representing top European football nations, is leading the opposition to Infantino, calling openly for his removal. The SFV, a UEFA member, insisted its decision did not signal a move away from constructive cooperation within FIFA and the global football community. The association emphasized its special responsibility as the governing body for the country where FIFA and UEFA are based.
The SFV will continue to champion transparency, credible and reliable structure, and rules-based decision-making processes. They called for a strong and united global football community characterized by integrity. Despite losing the SFV's support, Infantino retains the support of 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia, as well as African football's governing body CAF and South America's CONMEBOL.
Candidate nominations for next March's FIFA election must be submitted by November 18. Infantino is the only candidate so far. The SFV's decision reflects growing pressure on Infantino amid concerns over FIFA's governance and decision-making processes. Infantino's proposals for reform have been seen as a positive step, but many questions remain unanswered.
The Swiss FA's withdrawal of support adds to the mounting pressure on Infantino as he seeks re-election. The decision also highlights the challenges facing FIFA in maintaining transparency and accountability within its leadership. The global football community will be watching closely as the election approaches and Infantino's candidacy unfolds.
Key points
- Swiss Football Association withdraws support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid
- Infantino faces growing pressure amid concerns over FIFA's governance and decision-making processes
- Candidate nominations for FIFA election must be submitted by November 18
