Scottish FA Ends Support for Infantino Ahead of 2027 FIFA Vote

The Scottish Football Association will not support Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president in early 2027. Scotland’s decision follows UEFA’s position and places it among the associations that have withdrawn backing for the incumbent.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said the organisation had maintained that stance throughout the dispute. He indicated that Scotland’s position was based on concerns over FIFA’s leadership and governance rather than a change in its alignment with UEFA.

The disagreement intensified over FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposal that would have transferred 21% of ticketing and commercial rights to private investors. The plan was eventually abandoned after opposition from UEFA and other confederations, with the criticism becoming serious enough to raise the possibility of a boycott of FIFA competitions.

Scotland has been joined by England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland in declining to support Infantino ahead of the election. Their stance reflects wider concern among European football associations about how FIFA handles major commercial decisions and consults its members.

Maxwell also criticised the visibility of football administrators and said governance had weakened. He pointed to a lack of transparency and insufficient engagement with member associations as issues that require attention.

The SFA chief executive said changes to FIFA’s governance and transparency would need further discussion, including the form those reforms should take. For now, Scotland’s position is clear: it will not vote for Infantino when FIFA members choose their president in 2027.