Scottish FA pulls support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced on Tuesday that it will not vote for Gianni Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential election. Chief executive Ian Maxwell told BBC Sport the association had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership and therefore could not endorse his re‑appointment.

The SFA’s decision marks a rare public break from a FIFA president who has enjoyed broad backing from most of the world’s 211 football associations. While the SFA did not detail specific grievances, the statement suggests a growing unease over governance issues that have dogged Infantino’s tenure, including concerns about transparency and the handling of certain disciplinary matters.

Infantino, who was first elected in 2016 and most recently re‑elected in 2023, has overseen a period of rapid commercial growth for the sport but also faced criticism over the allocation of World Cup hosting rights and the management of the global calendar. The Scottish FA’s withdrawal of support adds a new dimension to the political landscape ahead of the next FIFA congress, where member associations will cast their votes.

The SFA’s stance may influence other national bodies that have expressed reservations about the current administration. Historically, a small number of associations have withheld their votes, but the move by Scotland is notable because the nation has traditionally been a vocal advocate for good governance within the sport.

Observers note that the upcoming election could become a referendum on the direction of FIFA under Infantino, with the SFA’s decision serving as a signal that dissent is spreading beyond the usual critics. The outcome will likely shape the future of international football governance for years to come.

Original reporting: BBC Sport (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crrv4092pvlo).