**Swiss Football Association Withdraws Support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino**
In a significant development for international football governance, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino, the current president of FIFA, in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for next year. This decision, announced on September 30, 2026, is particularly noteworthy given Infantino's Swiss nationality and the fact that both FIFA and UEFA, the governing body for European football, are headquartered in Switzerland.
The SFV's executive board convened recently and reached the conclusion to retract its earlier endorsement made in June 2026. This move reflects growing discontent within European football circles, as several prominent national associations have also distanced themselves from Infantino following controversy surrounding his proposals for FIFA's future.
Infantino's controversial plan, which surfaced in July, aimed to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup, to private investors. This initiative sparked considerable backlash from various football stakeholders, leading to widespread criticism and ultimately the shelving of the proposal. The SFV's decision to withdraw support underscores the concerns surrounding transparency and accountability in FIFA's leadership.
Peter Knabel, president of the SFV, articulated the organization's stance, emphasizing the necessity for FIFA's leadership to adhere to the highest standards of governance. He stated, “Key questions regarding the background, responsibilities, and decision-making processes remain unanswered. As these have not been convincingly clarified, we cannot justify continuing to support Gianni Infantino’s candidacy.”
The SFV's withdrawal of support is emblematic of a broader trend among European football associations that are increasingly scrutinizing FIFA's governance and decision-making processes. The implications of this decision could be significant, potentially influencing the dynamics of the upcoming election and Infantino's bid for re-election.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Infantino will respond to this growing dissent and what steps he may take to regain the confidence of national associations, particularly within Europe. The SFV's decision is a clear signal that the future leadership of FIFA will need to prioritize transparency and accountability to maintain the trust of its member associations.