In Zurich, Gianni Infantino’s path towards another term at the head of FIFA has been unsettled by a decision from his own national association. Switzerland has withdrawn the endorsement it granted in June, leaving the FIFA president without backing from his home country before the presidential election in Rabat on 18 March.
The news from the club
The Swiss Football Association cited serious concerns over integrity, transparency and accountability within world football’s governing body in ending its support for Infantino.
The move follows growing resistance in Europe to a proposal that would have placed commercial interests in the World Cup with private investors. UEFA opposed the plan, which envisaged a private commercial subsidiary for the tournament. The idea emerged at the end of July and was abandoned within days after broad opposition across football.
Questions have also been raised about FIFA’s regulatory independence. Switzerland expressed concern over political intervention after pressure from United States president Donald Trump prevented the mandatory suspension of Folarin Balogun. That decision allowed the forward to play against Belgium in the round of 16 of the summer competition, prompting objections over equal treatment within the tournament.
Until the commercial project became public, Infantino had appeared likely to seek re-election without a challenger and extend his presidency to 2031. Switzerland’s withdrawal adds weight to the opposition now gathering around UEFA.
The road to Rabat
UEFA will meet in Berlin next week with representatives of its 55 member associations to seek agreement on an alternative candidate. Any prospective challenger must enter the race before the 18 November registration deadline.
The final decision will rest with FIFA’s 211 member federations. Their votes are due at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March.
