Glasgow: The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has officially withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is under increasing scrutiny following his unsuccessful attempt to introduce private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the SFA joins several other European federations, such as England, Ireland, and Wales, in retracting their backing for Infantino. On Monday, the SFA became the latest association to formally distance itself from the Italian-Swiss president, who is striving to navigate through the crisis as he seeks re-election at the upcoming FIFA Congress.

SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell stated, “The Scottish Football Association will not be voting for Gianni Infantino. This is in line with UEFA’s position, which we have maintained throughout this period.” Infantino’s leadership has come under intense pressure after three continental federations accused him of “deception” regarding his plan to involve private investors in the World Cup, outlined in an open letter published last week.

Scottish FA president Mike Mulraney currently holds the position of chair on FIFA’s finance committee. Maxwell emphasized, “When you’re an administrator in football, you shouldn’t be in the spotlight as much as we’ve seen,” referring to Infantino. He added, “There’s clearly a failure of governance, a lack of transparency, and a lack of communication with member associations, and that’s something we need to address.”

Maxwell further noted, “Transparency and governance need to change. What that will look like, what it will look like, is still a topic of discussion.”