Italy’s La Scala opera house has decided to return more than 3 million euros ($3.4 million) in funding to Saudi Arabia after a plan to work closely with the country was widely criticized, including by members of the governing League party, Reuters reported.

The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, who also chairs La Scala’s board, said the funds - part of a proposed 15-million euro five-year partnership deal with the Saudi culture ministry - had been deposited into an escrow account without the theater’s consent.

“We have unanimously decided to return the money,” Sala told reporters after a board meeting called to decide whether to accept the funding. “Right now, going down this road is not possible.”