The Swiss Football Association has withdrawn its endorsement of incumbent FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the upcoming election, citing unresolved questions regarding organizational transparency and governance.
The decision by the central board of the governing body, known in German as the Schweizerischer Fussballverband, marks a significant reversal from its previous stance. In June, the SFV initially backed Infantino’s bid for another term. However, following a comprehensive reevaluation of developments over recent months, the central board voted on Sept. 25 to rescind that support.
Unanswered Governance Questions Cited by SFV President Peter Knäbel
SFV President Peter Knäbel pointed to ongoing transparency concerns within world soccer’s governing body as the catalyst for the reversal. While acknowledging a recent letter sent by Infantino to national associations offering talks on potential reforms, Knäbel emphasized that core issues remain unaddressed.
“The Swiss Football Association expects the leadership of FIFA to maintain the highest standards regarding transparency, traceability, and institutional responsibility,” Knäbel said. He added that while FIFA’s signaled steps toward improvement are important, central questions regarding backgrounds, responsibilities, and decision-making processes remain open. “Since these have not been convincingly clarified, we cannot justify further support for the candidacy of Gianni Infantino.”
Scrutiny Over Folarin Balogun and FIFA Forward Enterprise
The shift in position stems from specific high-profile controversies that have shaken world soccer. The SFV highlighted two main areas of concern: rule clarity and competitive integrity regarding the Folarin Balogun case, alongside institutional accountability surrounding FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The Balogun case drew intense scrutiny after a red-card suspension for the U.S. national team striker was rescinded following a telephone conversation between Donald Trump and Infantino. Simultaneously, the governing body faced heavy criticism over FIFA Forward Enterprise, an initiative that sought to sell shares of the World Cups to private investors. Those summer investment plans placed the 56-year-old incumbent under severe pressure from national associations across Europe and North America.
The March Election at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat
Despite mounting resistance from various member associations, no challenger has officially stepped forward to oppose Infantino ahead of the vote. The 56-year-old administrator intends to seek a third and final four-year term during the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled for March in the Moroccan capital of Rabat.
Despite severing its electoral endorsement, the Swiss association stressed that it does not intend to cut ties completely. The SFV emphasized that its decision does not signal an abandonment of constructive cooperation within FIFA or the international soccer community. As an organization headquartered in the same country as both FIFA and UEFA, the SFV stated it remains dedicated to promoting credible structures, rule-based decisions, and an integrity-driven global game.
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