The Swiss Football Association withdrew its endorsement of Gianni Infantino’s reelection bid for the FIFA presidency, reversing a stance declared previously. Meeting on September 25, the executive committee of the organization known as the SFV decided to rescind its backing following a comprehensive reevaluation of events within world soccer’s governing body over recent months.
Executive Committee Reverses Stance in Zurich
The reversal comes from the national governing body of the country where FIFA maintains its headquarters. Back in June, the SFV had formally stated its support for Infantino to secure another term at the helm of the organization. However, subsequent developments prompted leadership to reconsider their position ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco.
According to the SFV’s official statement, multiple episodes over the summer raised fundamental questions regarding leadership, governance, transparency, and decision-making processes inside FIFA. The association pointed directly to controversies surrounding competition integrity and commercial proposals as catalysts for the change.
Disputed Rules and Commercial Proposals Drive Swiss Reversal
Two major flashpoints drove the Swiss federation’s reversal. The SFV mentioned that episode, as well as the one-year probationary suspension of a one-match ban applied to forward Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off with a direct red card in the United States’ 2-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, a tournament co-organized by the Americans, Mexico, and Canada.
The governing body also pointed to the short-lived FIFA Forward Enterprise project. That commercial initiative sought to sell private equity stakes in World Cup tournaments without prior consultation before being abandoned in July following severe international backlash from member associations and continental confederations. European, Asian, and North/Central American bodies have maintained sustained pressure on the administration following the episode.
Growing Opposition Across European Member Associations
With this decision, the Swiss organization joins a lengthening list of national federations publicly opposing the incumbent president. Infantino’s birth country, Switzerland, joined Albania, Croatia, Finland, Gibraltar, Greece, England, Northern Ireland, Italy, Jordan, New Zealand, Norway, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, and Sweden among the federations that have already publicly assumed their opposition to the president and sole assumed candidate for the FIFA elections. While SFV president Peter Knäbel acknowledged receiving a letter sent to all 211 member associations proposing governance reforms, he noted that key questions remain unaddressed.
Despite dropping its endorsement, the SFV emphasized that the move does not signal a retreat from constructive cooperation within international football. The organization stated it remains committed to upholding strict rules-based decision-making structures from its base in Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FIFA Presidential Election
When and where is the next FIFA presidential election scheduled to take place?
The presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. The deadline for candidates to submit their formal nominations is set for November.
How long has Gianni Infantino served as FIFA president?
Gianni Infantino assumed the presidency in 2016, completing the remainder of Joseph Blatter’s final term before running unopposed and winning by acclamation in both 2019 and 2023.
Which national governing bodies have opposed the current leadership?
Alongside the Swiss Football Association’s withdrawal of support, federations from England, France, Italy, Croatia, Norway, Sweden, and over a dozen other countries have publicly raised objections or rescinded their endorsements.
Gianni Infantino, 56, announced his bid for another term in May during a Congress held prior to the 2026 World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada and won by European champion Spain.
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