Swiss FA Withdraws Support for Infantino’s Re-Election

The Swiss Football Association has delivered a sharp political blow to Gianni Infantino, withdrawing its support for his re-election as FIFA president after previously backing him in June. The decision adds fresh pressure on the Swiss-born football chief as opposition to his leadership continues to grow across Europe.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the SFV said its executive committee had revisited the issue after a “comprehensive reassessment” of recent developments. The federation said several incidents had raised major concerns about leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making inside FIFA.

Swiss FA reverses course on Infantino

Infantino, who was born in Brig in Switzerland’s Valais canton, is seeking another term in March. But his position has become increasingly uncomfortable in recent months, with the Swiss FA now joining a growing list of football bodies that have stepped away from him.

The SFV was direct in explaining why it changed direction. “As these have not been convincingly clarified, we cannot justify continuing to support Gianni Infantino’s candidacy,” the association said. That line reflects a broader unease that has intensified around FIFA’s leadership style and internal process.

The withdrawal is especially significant because Switzerland has long been a symbolic base for global football governance. When the home federation steps back, the message carries added weight.

Why the pressure is building

Infantino’s latest setback follows a turbulent period for FIFA. In July, he faced major criticism after plans to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, were revealed. The backlash was swift and severe, forcing those plans to be abandoned soon after.

That controversy deepened the questions surrounding his leadership. Critics argued that the episode exposed weak consultation and a lack of transparency in how major decisions were being handled.

In recent weeks, Infantino has tried to steady the discussion by saying he was open to talks about reform. In a letter to member associations this month, he signaled willingness to engage. But the Swiss FA said the key issues remained unresolved.

“Various incidents raise fundamental questions regarding leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making processes within FIFA,” the SFV said.

European opposition continues to widen

The Swiss FA’s withdrawal is not happening in isolation. Football associations in England, Wales, France, Serbia and other European countries have already pulled their endorsements ahead of the election. The wider trend suggests that Infantino is facing a more fractured support base than he once enjoyed.

Uefa has also indicated that it will put forward a rival candidate before the November deadline, a move that could further reshape the race. For Infantino, the challenge is no longer simply winning votes. It is now about holding together the credibility of his campaign.

What this means for the FIFA race

Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016, and his leadership has been defined by both reform promises and recurring controversy. This latest Swiss withdrawal will likely be interpreted as another sign that the mood is turning against him.

While he remains in office and continues to campaign, the optics are increasingly difficult. Each new endorsement lost strengthens the perception that the re-election race is becoming less of a coronation and more of a contest shaped by dissent.

For now, the Swiss FA has made its position clear: the association no longer believes it can support his candidacy. In a race where symbolism matters, that shift may prove one of the most damaging yet.

With the election approaching, the big question is whether Infantino can rebuild trust fast enough to blunt the wave of opposition. If not, his path to another term could become far more complicated than expected.