Neuendorf says DFB removes Infantino as boss from the pitch

The German Football Association announced in an interview with the Tagesspiegel that it will not support FIFA boss Gianni Infantino in next year’s election and is instead looking for an alternative. DFB chief Bernd Neuendorf described the Swiss as „nicht mehr tragbar“ and said he has done great harm to football.

Alternative for the FIFA election

Within the DFB there is unanimity: Infantino has squandered all trust and must be removed from his position. Neuendorf emphasized that the European association heads will meet on Thursday in Berlin to discuss the next steps in the FIFA power struggle. The chief explained that the responsible person can no longer be kept in office.

Neuendorf advocates putting forward a rival candidate for the election in March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco. The candidate does not necessarily have to come from Europe, but could also be from another confederation. The deadline for nominating an alternative ends on 18 November.

Infantino has established a culture at the top of FIFA that requires a fundamental change, said Neuendorf. He added: „We cannot make the goat the gardener. It cannot be that the person responsible for the current situation is steering the urgently needed reform process.“ The DFB chief also recalled the „Fall Balogun“ at the World Cup as a turning point. Infantino has most recently promised reform willingness and payouts from FIFA’s reserves to the member associations, thereby shrinking the area of attack.

UEFA, the Asian confederation AFC and CONCACAF have also taken a stance against Infantino, but it remains unclear whether they can unite all their members behind a common front. Before the failed World Cup investor deal, the DFB had refused a letter of support for the re‑election of the FIFA chief. Further steps will be discussed in the executive board.