Infantino's doubts push Switzerland to withdraw its support

In the heart of Zurich, the Swiss Football Federation (ASF) announced, in recent hours, the withdrawal of support for Gianni Infantino's candidacy for a new term as FIFA president, citing “Infantino Doubts” about leadership and transparency; the decision, taken by the Central Committee on September 25, overturns the support expressed in June.

The decision was taken by the Central Committee on September 25 and made public in the past few hours. In June, the ASF had instead announced its support for Infantino, describing him as the number one of world football. The reversal marks a change of course in just a few months.

Reasons for the revocation

According to the statement, a new assessment of developments over the past months has raised concerns about FIFA's management. The federation highlighted issues of leadership, governance, transparency and decision‑making processes, citing in particular the “clarity of the rules and the integrity of competitions in the Balogun case” and the responsibilities linked to the FIFA Forward Enterprise project.

“Credibility, transparency, the obligation to account for one’s actions and the genuine involvement of the competent bodies represent essential prerequisites for trust in the governance of international football,” the ASF explained. The body added that, in light of recent developments, those prerequisites are no longer met.

President Peter Knäbel reiterated the stance, stating: “We expect the FIFA leadership to uphold the highest standards in terms of transparency, clarity and institutional responsibility. The measures announced by FIFA are an important signal, but fundamental issues concerning context, accountability and decision‑making processes remain open.” He concluded that the federation can no longer support Infantino’s candidacy.

Relations with FIFA

The ASF clarified that the choice does not entail a rupture in relations with FIFA. “We will continue to commit to transparency, credible and reliable structures, rule‑based decision‑making processes and to strengthening a united and integral international football,” it said.

Switzerland, Infantino’s home country and the host of FIFA’s and UEFA’s headquarters, now finds itself in a particular position: while maintaining institutional collaboration, it has decided not to back the outgoing president in the race for the next term.