Swiss Football Federation Withdraws Support for Gianni Infantino, Citing Transparency Concerns

The Swiss Football Federation (ASF) has rescinded the support it offered to Gianni Infantino last June. The FIFA president, currently the sole candidate for the 2027 elections, no longer has the backing of his home country's federation. The ASF announced this decision after a thorough review of recent developments. The federation stated that certain recent events have raised fundamental questions about leadership, governance, transparency, and decision-making within FIFA.

Among the cited issues are the now-abandoned plan to open FIFA to significant private investment and the case involving the revocation of a yellow card for US player Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup. Meanwhile, Infantino is in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, meeting with President Mirziyoyev to discuss hosting the upcoming U-20 World Cup.

"The Swiss Football Association expects the highest standards of transparency, clarity, and institutional accountability from FIFA's leadership," said ASF President Peter Knabel. "The measures announced by FIFA in their letter of September 21st are certainly an important signal and can help improve the situation. However, fundamental questions regarding context, responsibilities, and decision-making processes remain open. Since these have not been convincingly clarified, we cannot take responsibility for continuing to support Gianni Infantino's candidacy."

"This decision does not mean a departure from constructive collaboration within FIFA and the international football community," the Swiss federation continued. "As the federation of the country hosting FIFA and UEFA headquarters, the ASF is aware of its special responsibility and will continue to work towards transparency, credible and reliable structures, rule-based decision-making processes, and the strengthening of a united and integrity-driven international football."