Leeds' Okafor says he won't play for Swiss again under Yakin
September 10, 2026 14:35
Noah Okafor, the 26-year-old Leeds United forward, has announced he will not represent Switzerland again while Murat Yakin remains the national team coach. In a post on his Instagram account he said his decision stems from a loss of trust in the current leadership, adding that commitments were not kept and that reactions to mistakes after he played against Algeria had hurt him.
The Swiss Football Association was informed on Thursday; a spokesperson told Reuters the FA respects his choice and wished him well at club level. Leeds manager Daniel Farke confirmed Okafor spoke to him first, pledged the club’s support and described Okafor as someone who will be important for Leeds after his move from AC Milan in August 2025.
KEY CONTEXT
- Okafor made his Switzerland debut in 2019 and has 26 senior caps.
- He has appeared at two World Cups for Switzerland and played 19 minutes at the most recent tournament, coming off the bench in the last-32 win over Algeria.
- He joined Leeds United from AC Milan for a reported fee of £18m in August 2025.
- Switzerland’s next fixture is away to North Macedonia on 26 September in the opening round of the 2026-27 Nations League.
WHY IT MATTERS
- The withdrawal of a player with 26 caps reduces the pool available to coach Murat Yakin ahead of upcoming competitive matches.
- Okafor frames his decision as driven by treatment and broken trust under the current manager rather than by limited playing time, which highlights a conflict between a current international and the national-team leadership.
- Leeds have publicly committed to supporting Okafor, signalling the club will provide an environment he prefers while his international future remains unsettled.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Okafor or the Swiss FA will provide further details or change their positions.
- Any formal response from Murat Yakin or additional comment from the Swiss FA beyond the statement reported to Reuters.
- How Switzerland approach squad selection for their 26 September Nations League opener in North Macedonia without Okafor.
KEY FACTS
- Age: 26. International debut: 2019. Caps: 26.
- World Cup involvement: featured at two World Cups; played 19 minutes in the last-32 win over Algeria.
- Transfer: Joined Leeds from AC Milan in August 2025 for a reported £18m.
- Swiss FA was informed on Thursday and said it respected his decision.