New Zealand withdraws support for beleaguered FIFA chief Gianni Infantino

New Zealand withdraws support for beleaguered FIFA President

Poinews.com – New Zealand withdraws support for beleaguered FIFA President Gianni Infantino, marking a significant shift in Oceania’s football governance landscape. In a formal statement released on Friday, New Zealand Football (NZF) announced it would no longer back the Italian leader, citing concerns about trust and transparency within the global football body. The decision comes as Infantino faces mounting pressure ahead of his 2027 re-election campaign.

“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.”

The New Zealand football governing body emphasized that this moment presents an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to advocate for stronger governance, accountability, and transparency. These principles, according to NZF, are fundamental in maintaining confidence in the administration of the global game. The organization also called for an independent review into the circumstances surrounding FIFA’s highly controversial private investment plan, which would have seen third-party investors take stakes in a commercial subsidiary known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

Regional divisions deepen over Infantino’s future

The NZF’s move places it at odds with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), which issued its own statement on Friday welcoming the decision to abandon the FFE proposal while signaling continued support for Infantino. “OFC recognises the progress achieved over the last decade in advancing football development in Oceania under FIFA’s leadership and encourages FIFA to use the review as an opportunity to identify and implement any changes that may be necessary,” the confederation stated.

A deepening chasm has opened up in world football over the president’s position, with regional confederations and individual nations split over whether he should continue in his role. Infantino, who was first elected as president in 2016, now faces opposition from European governing body UEFA, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Meanwhile, South America’s CONMEBOL and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have maintained their backing for the Italian leader.

International support and opposition grows

Wales, Finland, Serbia, and Sweden were among the first nations to announce they would no longer back the FIFA president for another term. They were followed by England, Jordan, Albania, the Republic of Ireland, and Norway, with the latter going a step further and calling for Infantino to resign immediately. Others such as Paraguay, World Cup runners-up Argentina, and tournament cohosts Mexico have gotten behind the FIFA boss, however.

Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Sudan also expressed their “full support” for Infantino in a joint statement on Thursday. “We deeply appreciate Mr Infantino’s sustained efforts to advance football globally, expand opportunities across all regions and strengthen the game’s role in bringing people and communities together,” the statement from the six Arab football associations read.

Infantino also received backing from his friend Donald Trump earlier this week. In a post on Truth Social, the US president said the football world governing body “would be making a terrible mistake” if it decided to part ways with Infantino. “He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented,” Trump wrote, adding: “If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again.”

What this means for FIFA governance

New Zealand’s withdrawal of support adds to a growing list of nations that have announced their individual stances on the issue. The call for an independent review could reshape FIFA’s governance structure and potentially influence the outcome of the 2027 presidential election. As member associations worldwide weigh their positions, the organization faces critical decisions about its future direction and leadership model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has New Zealand withdrawn support for Gianni Infantino? New Zealand Football cited a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football as primary reasons for withdrawing support. The organization believes an independent review is necessary to restore confidence in FIFA’s governance.

What is the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)? The FFE was a controversial private investment plan that would have allowed third-party investors to take stakes in a commercial subsidiary of FIFA. The proposal was eventually scrapped following criticism from various football associations.

When is Infantino’s re-election scheduled? Gianni Infantino is due to run for re-election as FIFA President in 2027, following his initial election in 2016.

Which confederations support Infantino? South America’s CONMEBOL and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have backed Infantino, while UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC have called for a change in leadership.