New Zealand Football withdraws support for FIFA president Infantino

New Zealand Football (NZF) has publicly withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a move that sets it apart from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). This decision signals a growing discontent within international football regarding Infantino's leadership and governance practices.

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New Zealand Football is also seeking an independent review of the steps undertaken to develop the Fifa Forward Enterprise Scheme (FFE).

The primary catalyst for NZF's stance appears to be Infantino's controversial proposal to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors. Although the plan was ultimately withdrawn, it caused significant backlash and led to a loss of support from several regional confederations, including Europe's UEFA, Asia's AFC, and CONCACAF. While African (CAF) and South American (CONMEBOL) bodies have backed Infantino's bid for a fourth term, New Zealand's decision highlights a fractured global football landscape.

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After careful consideration, NZF has formed the view that decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football, and that an independent review is required to restore confidence and trust.

Beyond the commercial rights issue, NZF has also called for an independent review of the FIFA Forward Enterprise Scheme (FFE). In a statement, NZF expressed that "decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football." They believe an independent review is essential to "restore confidence and trust" in the global game's administration.

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NZF believes this point in time represents an opportunity for all Fifa member associations to advocate for stronger governance, accountability and transparency which are fundamental in maintaining confidence of the administration of the global game.

NZF chief executive Andrew Pragnell emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating, "We've called for an independent review specifically because what we don't want to see is a sort of in-house quick washover of this." The organization views this moment as an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to advocate for stronger governance, which they deem fundamental for maintaining confidence in football's administration.

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We've called for an independent review specifically because what we don't want to see is a sort of in-house quick washover of this.