Swiss FA withdraws support for Gianni Infantino's re-election bid
Swiss Football Association say unanswered questions about transparency and decision-making prevent further endorsement of the FIFA president's re-election bid.
On September 30, 2026 the Swiss Football Association’s executive committee withdrew the endorsement it gave in June to Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president.
Peter Knäbel, the association’s president, explained the decision by stressing the federation’s demand for rigorous standards from football’s world governing body. "The Swiss Football Association expects the highest standards of transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility from FIFA's leadership," he said.
Review of recent months
The committee said the withdrawal followed an internal review of events over the past months. The statement cited unresolved questions about background, accountability and decision-making procedures linked to Infantino’s tenure and plans.
"Key questions regarding background, accountability and decision-making processes remain unanswered. Because these have not been convincingly clarified, we cannot justify further support for Gianni Infantino's candidacy," Knäbel added.
The 56-year-old Infantino faced intensified scrutiny over the summer, in particular for proposals to involve private investors in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. FIFA presidential elections are scheduled for March 2027; Infantino remains the only declared candidate so far.
The Swiss FA’s move removes a national endorsement that had existed earlier this year and increases pressure on Infantino as he prepares for the upcoming election campaign.
Photo: Bryan Berlin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
