New Zealand withdraws from OFC in support of Gianni Infantino

New Zealand Football have made their stance against Infantino clear, indicating that they are demanding greater transparency and accountability within FIFA. This step is also important in the context of the World Cup 2026, as New Zealand is preparing to participate in this tournament.

Why it matters

New Zealand's move reflects growing discontent within FIFA, especially as many countries have opposed Gianni Infantino's re-election. This situation is also important in preparation for the World Cup 2026, as New Zealand is the only member of the OFC that can qualify for this tournament. In such a situation, this decision of New Zealand can become an example for other countries.

Key points

• New Zealand withdraws from OFC in support of Gianni Infantino.
• New Zealand decided to withdraw its support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The move also reflects support from other countries that are opposing Infantino's re-election bid.
• New Zealand break with OFC to withdraw Gianni Infantino support - BBC Sport.

New Zealand has decided to withdraw its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, severing ties with the Oceania Football Association. The move comes as another country opposes Infantino's re-election bid. Infantino has lost support from three regional federations – Europe's UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean) – over his plans to sell 20% of the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and South America's federation Comebol have endorsed the 56-year-old Infantino for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in March. New Zealand followed several other member states, including England, Wales, Norway, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, in announcing that they would not support Infantino for re-election.

New Zealand Football has called for an independent review that will examine the process of developing the FIFA Forward Enterprise Scheme (FFE). "New Zealand Football has decided that FIFA's decisions and actions are contributing to the breakdown and division of trust in international football, therefore an independent review is required," it said in a statement.

New Zealand Football believes this time provides an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to support the strong governance, accountability and transparency that are essential to maintaining confidence in the governance of the global game.

New Zealand is the only OFC member to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while fellow member New Caledonia has confirmed its support for Infantino. CONCACAF members Mexico, Grenada and Saint Kitts and Nevis have supported Infantino in a move against their federation, while Argentina is in support of CONMEBOL.

New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said, "We have asked for an independent review because we don't want this to be a sort of in-house quick fix. An independent review has also been sought by other federations, which will help restore confidence."

The Oceania Football Federation welcomed FIFA's decision to withdraw the proposal, but refrained from declaring its support or withdrawal of support for Infantino. "The OFC Executive Committee welcomes FIFA's commitment to withdraw the FFE proposal and review the issues surrounding the project," the federation's statement said.

The OFC recognizes the progress in football development in Oceania led by FIFA over the past decade and encourages FIFA to use this review to identify and implement necessary changes.

What will happen next

New Zealand Football is now calling for an independent review, which will examine FIFA's decisions and processes. This review could be an important step towards reforms within FIFA, which are necessary before the organization of the World Cup 2026. This situation will also impact other countries, who are feeling the need to improve FIFA's administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did New Zealand decide to withdraw from OFC?

New Zealand has decided not to support the re-election of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as he considers FIFA's decisions and actions to be a breakdown of confidence in international football.

Who confirmed New Zealand's withdrawal from OFC?

New Zealand Football has confirmed this decision.

Why was New Zealand taking this step now?

The move comes in conjunction with other countries that are opposing Infantino's re-election, and the timing provides an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to support strong governance and transparency.

What type of review has New Zealand asked for?

New Zealand Football has called for an independent review of the process of developing the FIFA Forward Enterprise Scheme (FFE).

What is New Zealand's position for the 2026 World Cup?

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New Zealand is the only OFC member to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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