AFCON 2025
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has confirmed it will not support Gianni Infantino in his bid for re-election as FIFA president in early 2027, citing concerns over governance, transparency and engagement within world football’s governing body.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said Scotland’s position is aligned with that of UEFA, which has also expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
“The Scottish FA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino. That’s in line with the UEFA position and we’ve maintained that stance throughout,” Maxwell told the BBC.
The decision comes amid backlash over FIFA’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which proposed selling 21% of major ticketing and commercial rights to private investors. The plan was eventually abandoned following strong opposition from UEFA and other confederations, with concerns reportedly raising the prospect of boycotts of FIFA competitions.
Scotland’s decision means it joins fellow British associations England and Wales, as well as the Republic of Ireland, in withdrawing support for Infantino ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
Maxwell also criticised the level of public visibility of football administrators and called for significant reforms within FIFA.
“When you’re an administrator in football, you shouldn’t be anywhere near the camera anywhere near as often as has been the case,” he said.
He added that there had been “a fall-down in governance,” alongside a lack of transparency and engagement with member associations.
“The transparency and the governance needs to change. What form that takes, what that looks like, is up for a bit of debate,” Maxwell said.
Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, is seeking another term in office as the organisation prepares for its next presidential election in 2027.
