Swiss federation withdraws support for Infantino’s Fifa presidency bid

Switzerland's soccer federation withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino's campaign for another term as Fifa president yesterday (30 September), citing concerns over the credibility and governance of world soccer's governing body.

The Swiss federation said greater transparency, accountability and effective governing bodies were needed to maintain trust in international soccer and Fifa.

It said those conditions had no longer been met since June, when it initially backed Infantino.

Uefa has also been pushing for a change in Fifa leadership, either before or during next year's presidential election. The European governing body has raised concerns over Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

The Swiss federation also referred to concerns over the integrity of competitions. It pointed to pressure from US President Donald Trump over a proposed one-match suspension for Switzerland-born US forward Folarin Balogun, which would have kept him out of a round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium earlier this year.

Infantino had appeared set to secure a fourth and final term through 2031 without opposition. However, his plan to establish a secretive commercial subsidiary was reported by the media on 28 July and was abandoned within days following widespread criticism.

Uefa is scheduled to meet its 55 member associations in Berlin next week to discuss finding a candidate to challenge Infantino before the 18 Nov. deadline for nominations.

The Fifa presidential election will be held 18 March in Rabat, Morocco, with delegates from all 211 Fifa member associations eligible to vote.