Rabat – The Scottish Football Association has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and will not vote for his re-election, SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell told BBC Sport.
The decision comes amid growing criticism of Infantino over FIFA’s abandoned plan to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a company that would have managed the commercial and ticketing rights of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, with 21% of the company set to be sold to a private investment firm.
“The position of the SFA has been clear since the 55 UEFA associations met,” Maxwell said, speaking as he announced Belgian Sebastian Pocognoli as the new Scotland head coach, according to BBC Sport.
“We have aligned ourselves with the UEFA position, and 55 nations are stronger than one voice.”
“Their statement since then has talked about a lack of confidence in the FIFA leadership, and the Scottish FA agree completely with that decision.”
“The SFA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino come the re-election in early 2027,” Pocognoli added.
Maxwell also denied that the SFA had refrained from publicly withdrawing its support for Infantino earlier because its president, Mike Mulraney, chairs FIFA’s Finance Committee.
The Football Associations of England, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland have also withdrawn their support for Infantino ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
Despite growing opposition in Europe, Infantino retains support from several football associations and confederations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) remain among his backers.
Six Arab football associations, including Morocco and Qatar, have also expressed support for Infantino.
