Scottish FA Withdraws Support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino Over Transparency Concerns

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has officially retracted its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, citing concerns over a “lack of transparency” regarding his plan to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors. This decision comes in the wake of similar withdrawals from several European football associations, including those in England, the Republic of Ireland, and Wales, all of which had previously indicated intentions to back Infantino for reelection at the upcoming FIFA Congress.

Ian Maxwell, the chief executive of the SFA, announced on Monday, “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.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on the game rather than off-the-field incidents, stating, “Something has gone wrong if the focus after the most successful, the most well-supported World Cup… has now become off-the-field incidents rather than on the field.”

Maxwell also highlighted issues of governance and engagement with member associations, asserting the need for improved transparency and stating, “The game is for everybody, it’s not for individuals to make decisions and we need to be part of that process.” SFA president Mike Mulraney currently serves as the chair of FIFA’s finance committee.

Infantino faces mounting pressure, with three confederation presidents accusing him of “deception” regarding his private investor plan in an open letter published last week. It is believed that the letter’s authors intended to prompt Infantino to resign amicably.

In light of these challenges, advocacy group FairSquare is questioning Infantino’s eligibility to stand for reelection. The group argues that his time in office should count toward the maximum three-term limit as defined in FIFA’s statutes. Miguel Maduro, former chair of FIFA’s governance committee, asserted that the original intention of the limit was to prevent prolonged presidencies reminiscent of Sepp Blatter’s and Joao Havelange’s tenures.

A recent FIFA release stated that Infantino’s term from 2016 to 2019, when he succeeded Blatter, did not count towards this limit, a decision that FairSquare contends lacks transparency. The group’s letter has been submitted to FIFA’s review committee, which is authorized to determine the eligibility of presidential candidates.

Maduro expressed hope that members of the review committee will reject any attempt to deem Infantino eligible, emphasizing the need for opposing football associations to raise the issue of his alleged ineligibility as a central concern. Meanwhile, Infantino’s administration continues to face scrutiny, including criticism over his political engagements, as voiced by professor Chris Mihm, the deputy chair of the governance committee.

FIFA has been approached for comments regarding FairSquare’s letter.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn