Swiss prosecutors announced today, Thursday, that they have halted "criminal investigations against the President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, due to his dealings with former Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber." This decision was praised by Infantino as a testament to the integrity of "the new FIFA."
Infantino was elected FIFA president in 2016 following a massive corruption scandal that led to the downfall of many officials in the global sport. However, Swiss authorities initiated an investigation against Infantino in 2020 over suspicions of violation of confidentiality, abuse of power, and collusion related to meetings he held with Lauber.
In concluding the proceedings, prosecutors stated that their investigations "dispelled" these suspicions. Infantino, a Swiss-Italian, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling the decision "a comprehensive and clear victory for me, for the new FIFA, and for justice."
He added, "In fact, and without any surprise, the investigation fully and clearly confirms that I have always acted in a legal and correct manner and that I have only consistently defended the interests of FIFA and football."
Swiss authorities had been investigating communications between Infantino and Lauber, who resigned from his position as Attorney General after a court found he had concealed a meeting with the FIFA president and lied to regulatory bodies while his office was investigating corruption within FIFA.
