Swiss Football Association withdraws support for Infantino — Korea Herald

In Switzerland, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s candidacy in the next election for the head of world football. The association’s executive committee had previously stated its support for Infantino in June 2026.

As Korea Herald reports, the SFV’s decision carries particular weight because Infantino is Swiss and the headquarters of FIFA and UEFA are located in Switzerland.

Questions about FIFA governance

The SFV said that events in recent months had raised fundamental questions about leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making mechanisms at FIFA. The association mentioned the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, which envisaged the creation of a commercial subsidiary to stage FIFA’s biggest tournaments, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

Infantino’s plan envisaged allowing private investors to buy stakes in the company that was to be created under this initiative. Following a negative reaction, the proposal was quickly shelved.

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Among the circumstances cited by the SFV in its statement was the cancellation of a one-match suspension for United States national team forward Folarin Balogun, who was sent off during this year’s World Cup. According to the association, this happened after a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Infantino.

FIFA presidential election

SFV President Peter Knäbel said that Switzerland’s football association expects the highest standards of transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility from FIFA’s leadership. According to him, the consultations with national associations on governance reform proposed by Infantino could improve the situation, but key questions regarding the prerequisites, responsibility and decision-making process remain unanswered.

UEFA is leading the opposition to Infantino. At the same time, he is supported by Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup, the Confederation of African Football and the South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL. Candidates for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March must submit their nominations by November 18. Infantino is currently the only candidate.