Swiss prosecutors drop criminal charges against FIFA chief Gianni Infantino

Swiss prosecutors announced on Thursday that they have closed the criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding his interactions with former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber. Infantino expressed his satisfaction with the decision, considering it a validation of the "new FIFA." Having been elected in 2016 to restore FIFA's integrity after being entangled in corruption controversies.

Swiss authorities initiated proceedings against Infantino in 2020 over allegations of violating secrecy, abusing his position, and assisting in affairs related to his meetings with Lauber. However, prosecutors concluded their investigations, stating that these suspicions had been "discredited," leading to the closure of the case.

Swiss-Italian Infantino, who had consistently denied any wrongdoing, hailed the decision as a resounding triumph for himself, the revamped FIFA, and justice.

Infantino expressed, "Unquestionably and unsurprisingly, the investigation conclusively affirms that I have consistently operated within the confines of the law, diligently safeguarding the interests of FIFA and football."

Swiss authorities conducted a probe into the communications between Infantino and Lauber, the former Swiss attorney general. Lauber resigned after it was determined by a court that he hid a meeting with the FIFA president and provided false information to his superiors during the investigation into corruption within FIFA.

After conducting their investigation, the prosecutors found no proof to suggest that Infantino misused or manipulated the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland for wrongdoing or questionable actions.

FIFA said they had noted the decision to close the proceedings "with extreme satisfaction."