New Zealand has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, breaking ranks with the Oceania Football Confederation as pressure continues to build around the world football governing body.
New Zealand Football said it would no longer support Infantino’s candidacy at the 2027 FIFA Congress, citing a breakdown in trust and growing concerns about governance, transparency and accountability within FIFA.
The decision follows the collapse of a controversial FIFA proposal that would have allowed private investors to acquire a commercial stake in FIFA competitions. The plan attracted strong criticism from several major football confederations before FIFA abandoned it.
New Zealand is also calling for an independent review of the process behind the proposed investment scheme. The country's football leadership said an independent investigation is needed to help restore confidence in FIFA and reduce divisions within international football.
New Zealand breaks with OFC
New Zealand's decision puts it at odds with the broader Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), which has continued to recognize what it describes as progress in football development across the region under Infantino's leadership.
The OFC welcomed FIFA's decision to withdraw the controversial investment proposal but stopped short of withdrawing its support for Infantino. The confederation represents 11 FIFA member associations, giving the region an important bloc of votes in FIFA's presidential election.
New Zealand is the only OFC member to have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is now taking a significantly different position from the confederation representing the region.
Growing pressure on Infantino
Infantino's position has come under increasing pressure following the failed investment proposal. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have all called for greater accountability and changes at FIFA, while a number of individual football associations have also withdrawn their support for the FIFA president.
At the same time, Infantino continues to receive backing from influential football organizations, including the African and South American confederations.
The split leaves FIFA facing an increasingly divided political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, when Infantino is expected to seek a fourth term.
For New Zealand Football, however, the priority is now rebuilding trust.
The federation says stronger governance, transparency and accountability are essential if FIFA is to restore confidence among its members and avoid further divisions within the sport.
What do you think?
Should FIFA members continue supporting Gianni Infantino, or is it time for a change in leadership? Share your opinion in the comments below.
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