The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has withdrawn its backing for Gianni Infantino’s bid to secure another term as FIFA president, citing unresolved concerns over leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making within world football’s governing body. The SFV had endorsed Infantino’s candidacy in June 2026 but reversed its position following a September 25 meeting of its executive committee. The association said the decision followed a review of developments within FIFA over recent months.
Concerns Over FIFA Governance
The Swiss association said several developments had raised questions about how major decisions are made within FIFA. Among the issues was Infantino’s now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which would have involved private investment in a commercial company linked to FIFA’s major competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
The proposal triggered opposition from several football organisations and was subsequently shelved. FIFA has maintained that the plan was subject to approval and oversight through its established governance structures. The SFV said Infantino’s proposal, together with other recent developments, had left important questions about responsibilities and decision-making unanswered. Swiss football president Peter Knabel said the association expected FIFA leadership to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility.
Balogun Suspension Also Cited
The SFV also pointed to FIFA’s decision to lift a one-match suspension imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
The issue attracted attention after US President Donald Trump contacted Infantino regarding the red-card decision. Trump later confirmed that he had asked FIFA to review the incident, while saying the final decision belonged to FIFA. FIFA subsequently lifted the suspension, allowing Balogun to feature in the United States’ next match. The Swiss association included the episode among the developments that contributed to its concerns about FIFA’s decision-making processes.
European Football Bodies Demand Changes
The SFV’s decision comes amid wider disagreement between FIFA and several European football organisations. UEFA and a number of European national associations have raised concerns about FIFA’s governance and the manner in which major decisions have been handled.
Four of Europe’s leading domestic leagues — the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and LaLiga — have also called for significant governance reforms, including greater involvement of stakeholders in FIFA’s decision-making. Infantino has responded by proposing discussions with FIFA’s member associations and other stakeholders on possible governance reforms. He has also proposed an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes.
Swiss FA Maintains Cooperation With FIFA
Despite withdrawing its endorsement of Infantino’s candidacy, the SFV said its decision should not be interpreted as an end to cooperation with FIFA or the wider international football community. The association said it would continue advocating for transparent governance, reliable institutional structures and decisions based on established rules. The SFV’s position carries particular significance because Infantino is Swiss and both FIFA and UEFA are headquartered in Switzerland.
Infantino’s Re-Election Bid
Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, is seeking another term in the election scheduled for March 2027.
The Swiss association is the latest European football body to withdraw its previous support for his candidacy. Meanwhile, FIFA has defended its governance processes and rejected accusations surrounding the abandoned FFE proposal, arguing that the initiative was subject to institutional oversight. Candidate nominations for the FIFA presidency are due by November 18, 2026, meaning the coming weeks are expected to be important as football associations decide whether to endorse Infantino or support alternative candidates.
