New Zealand withdraws support for Gianni Infantino amid FIFA trust crisis

New Zealand Football has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain president of FIFA, saying decisions within world football’s governing body have contributed to a “collapse in trust” and increased division across the international game.

The New Zealand association confirmed the decision in an official statement, saying it would no longer back Infantino’s candidacy for the FIFA presidency at the FIFA Congress scheduled for 2027.

“New Zealand Football today announces its formal withdrawal of support for Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for the presidency of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) at the FIFA Congress to be held in 2027,” the statement said.

The election for the FIFA presidency is due to take place in March 2027, with Infantino facing growing opposition from several parts of the football community.

New Zealand Football also called for an independent review of the steps taken to develop the FIFA Forward programme, which provides funding and support for football development projects among FIFA member associations.

“After careful consideration, New Zealand Football has arrived at the view that decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a collapse in trust and increased division within international football, and that an independent review is needed to restore confidence,” the association said.

It added: “New Zealand Football believes this moment represents an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to call for stronger governance, accountability and transparency, which are essential to maintaining trust in the administration of the world’s game.”

The decision makes New Zealand the only member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to have withdrawn its support for Infantino. The OFC has 13 member associations, including 11 full members and two associate members.

Oceania has nevertheless praised the progress made during Infantino’s time as FIFA president, particularly after he withdrew his plan concerning the World Cup.

The latest disagreement follows an open letter issued by associations from UEFA, Asia and Concacaf. Those organisations accused Infantino of breaking the trust of the football system and placing himself above the game.

The dispute intensified after an attempt to sell commercial stakes connected with the World Cup. The associations said the move had been pursued without sufficient consultation and at speed in order to avoid wider discussion.

The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abou Rida, was among six other associations to issue a joint statement in support of Infantino as FIFA president.

Infantino, who is Swiss-Italian, continues to have the backing of the Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL and the OFC. New Zealand’s withdrawal therefore represents a break with the position of the other Oceania members.

New Zealand co-hosted the 2023 Women’s World Cup and remains the only OFC member association to have publicly withdrawn its support for Infantino.

Any challenger to Infantino has until 18 November to put forward a nomination to contest the presidency against him at next March’s election.