Overview
- Noah Okafor announced on Thursday that he will not play for the Switzerland national team while Murat Yakin remains head coach.
- Okafor posted an Instagram statement saying his decision stemmed from a breakdown in trust and promises that were not kept, and he stressed it was not about playing time.
- The Swiss Football Association said Okafor informed them of his withdrawal, that it respects his decision, and wished him success with his club.
- Okafor has 26 caps, featured for 19 minutes as a substitute in Switzerland’s World Cup last-32 win over Algeria, and joined Leeds United from AC Milan in August 2025.
- The move raises near-term selection and squad-cohesion questions ahead of Switzerland’s Nations League opener on September 26 and follows public teammate messages of support for Okafor.