Leeds star Noah Okafor QUITS international football aged just 26 after explosive bust up with Switzerland manager — Mail 10/9/26
By BEN WINSTANLEY
Leeds United winger Noah Okafor has told Switzerland he will
not play international football again while boss Murat Yakin remains in charge.
The 26-year-old was part of the Swiss World Cup squad but
played just once - as a late substitute in the round-of-32 win over Algeria.
The World Cup call-up came after four goals in his final four games of the
season for Leeds.
In March, he ended a 16-month exile from the Switzerland
squad after a clear-the-air meeting with Yakin, who he had previously
criticised - along with Swiss bosses - for failing to communicate with him
while he was not being selected.
Okafor referred to the rift in a subsequent interview,
admitting that 'I know I didn't do everything right.'
But now he has decided to step away from the international
arena.
In a statement on Instagram Okafor said: 'Dear fans, these
lines are the hardest I have written in my career so far. After careful
consideration, I have decided to step down from the Swiss national team until
further notice.
'This decision is extremely difficult for me, but I want to
and must state it now. There was never anything greater for me than playing for
Switzerland.
'Every time I have worn this jersey, I have tried to leave
my heart on the pitch. I would have loved to continue playing for Switzerland
in the future and give everything for our country. But under the current
circumstances, I simply cannot do it anymore.
'It is important to me to clarify one thing: This decision
has nothing to do with playing minutes. I know that I haven't always done
everything right in the past.
'Young players make mistakes, and I have apologized for
that. But now the situation is different.
'Even at the World Cup, I always accepted difficult phases
and consistently put myself at the service of the team. It was a great honor
for me to be there for my country at the World Cup.
'I believed for a long time that the situation would change.
A year after the European Championship, Murat Yakin came to England with
members of the coaching staff specifically to have a clarifying conversation
with me.
'It was a very appreciative and good conversation. We were
able to look forward and clear up misunderstandings. I was grateful to Murat
Yakin for that.
'That is exactly why I travelled to the World Cup with a
good feeling, full of motivation, and with the firm will to give everything for
the team and for Switzerland.
'All the more disappointing for me was what I experienced
there. Not because I played little, but because of the way I was treated. For
me, it was the most difficult time of my career so far.
Okafor emphasised that he was not concerned about his lack
of minutes but alluded to a lack of 'mutual respect' and 'trust' from Yakin.
'One thing up front: I know that some will think again now:
"Oh, Okafor again, he's just offended because he hardly played",' his
statement continued.
'But again: My decision has nothing to do with my playing
minutes. I travelled to the tournament to support my team in the best possible
way. On the pitch and off it.
'Things happened that hit me deeply. Trust was broken.
Promises were not kept. And when I was allowed to play against Algeria, even
small mistakes far away from our goal were reacted to in a way that hit me
deeply.
'In the weeks after that, I thought a lot and decided for
myself that I no longer want to play for the national team under the current
coach. Murat Yakin is doing a great job and has achieved historic things with
Switzerland.
'The success proves him and his work right. And of course, I
don't want any special treatment from him. Only mutual respect and trust, but I
do not see this foundation for the coming years.
'I sincerely wish the team only the best. I am happy about
every success of the team and think that we achieved great things at the World
Cup. Many of my teammates are friends, and I will continue to root for them and
support them.
'I am grateful to Switzerland for everything I was able to
experience. Playing for this country was and remains something very special.
Believe me: Whenever I was on the pitch, I left my heart out there for this
jersey. See you soon, Noah.'
The Swiss FA confirmed the news, saying in a statement:
'Noah personally informed us today that he will no longer be playing for the
national team for the time being. We respect his decision and wish him good
luck and success with his club.'
