Swiss federation withdraws support for Infantino as FIFA governance crisis deepens
The Swiss Football Association (ASF/SFV) announced on Wednesday it has withdrawn its backing for Gianni Infantino's bid for another term as FIFA president, citing "fundamental questions" about leadership, governance and transparency at football's global governing body.
The decision reverses the support the federation had expressed in June 2026. Infantino remains the only declared candidate for the March 2027 election, but the withdrawal carries weight: he is Swiss, and both FIFA and UEFA are headquartered in Switzerland.
The federation's president, Peter Knäbel, said issues around accountability and decision-making processes had not been clarified convincingly, making continued support impossible.
What prompted the decision
The Swiss federation pointed to several recent controversies. These include:
• The abandoned plan to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors through the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative
• The Balogun case, where a suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun was lifted during the 2026 World Cup following what former US President Donald Trump described as a phone call with Infantino
• The award of a FIFA peace prize to Trump in November 2025, without clear criteria
"Different events raise fundamental questions regarding leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making processes within FIFA," the federation said in a statement.
The Balogun affair proved particularly controversial. The striker received a red card in the round of 16 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the ban. This allowed him to play in the next match against Belgium. Trump said he contacted Infantino to request a review.
Several federations reacted with concern. Belgium's Royal Football Association threatened legal action and also withdrew its support for Infantino. UEFA called the decision "unjustifiable" and said FIFA had "crossed a red line." Italy's FIGC president Gabriele Gravina described it as having "a political flavor." The Football Association's chair, Debbie Hewitt, has demanded full transparency and independent scrutiny of the FIFA Forward Enterprise project.
FIFA's financial offer to member federations
As pressure mounts, Infantino has signalled willingness to distribute more of FIFA's cash reserves to the 211 member associations. Reserves stand at £4.4bn (about €5.1bn).
In a letter to the six continental confederations, seen by the BBC, the FIFA president said he would support "the maximum level of additional funding that can be responsibly distributed."
UEFA and Concacaf have called for $10m (about €8.5m) per federation, which would total roughly $2.1bn.
The matter will be examined at the FIFA Council meeting on 15 October.
"A single figure can start the discussion, but cannot complete a global policy," Infantino wrote. "The recent commercial proposal, now withdrawn, was intended to allow FIFA to invest more in football."
The FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which would have sold roughly 20% of a new commercial entity to private investors, triggered calls for resignations from some confederations before being abandoned.
What happens next
The presidential election is scheduled for 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.
The deadline for candidates to declare is 18 November. While Infantino is currently unopposed, UEFA is reported to be seeking to propose a challenger.
Separately, Infantino travelled to Tashkent in Uzbekistan to meet President Mirziyoyev and discuss the organisation of the upcoming Under-20 World Cup. Former Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, now a coach, welcomed his presence, saying it brought enthusiasm to a federation investing in youth development.
For residents in Italy, the significance is indirect but real. The FIGC is one of UEFA's 55 member associations, and any change in FIFA's leadership or finances affects development funding, tournament hosting rights, and the governance framework under which Italian clubs and national teams operate. A FIFA president accountable to fewer checks could mean less transparency in decisions that shape the sport at every level.
