Swiss Politicians Want FIFA Chief to Lobby Trump for Tariff Relief

Switzerland’s trade talks in Washington have stalled. 

Now, some politicians are calling on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, hoping his personal ties to President Trump can help dial back a crushing 39% U.S. tariff on imports.

Last week, the Trump administration raised Switzerland’s tariff rate from 31% to 39%, scheduled to take effect Aug. 7. That rate is among the highest imposed in Trump’s latest trade order; only two countries received a 40% tariff, and one received the top rate of 41%.

In response, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter made a last-minute trip to Washington, but returned Wednesday without a better deal. While she described her meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “very good,” she did not meet with Trump or top trade officials, according to Reuters. 

One source told Reuters that Keller-Sutter had proposed a 10% tariff rate, but U.S. officials rejected the offer. In an interview with CNBC, Trump dismissed the exchange, saying, “The woman was nice, but she didn’t want to listen.”

The failure to reach a deal has fueled public concern in Switzerland, prompting some politicians to push for more unconventional tactics. 

Among those being considered is FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a Swiss native who has built a close relationship with Trump throughout his presidency and ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Infantino has appeared alongside the president several times this year, including visits to Mar-a-Lago, the White House, and Trump Tower in New York, where FIFA opened a new office. Most recently, the two shared the stage at the closing ceremony of the FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey last month. Trump has previously described Infantino as “a friend of mine” and “an excellent guy.”

National Councillor Roland Rino Büchel, a member of the rightwing Swiss People’s Party, has emerged as a vocal advocate for involving Infantino. “It is definitely time to bring in Gianni Infantino now without further delay to help open doors,” Büchel told the Financial Times. “If [Swiss Economic Minister Guy] Parmelin picked up the phone and asked Infantino for help, I would well imagine he would do it.”

The U.S. is one of Switzerland’s most important trading partners, with the U.S. importing $64 billion in goods last year. Top categories include pharmaceuticals ($19 billion), precious metals and stones ($14.8 billion), and watches and clocks ($6.5 billion), according to United Nations data. 

“The situation is bad,” Büchel said. “We need better ideas for the good of the country and the thousands of jobs that will be affected if we do not get a better deal. Infantino is the best person to maybe secure a meeting.”

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.