I’ll admit I’ve always liked New Zealand, and now I like them even more. – They now stand up for football and for the fans against what until recently seemed like an invincible superpower. – As my old father usually says! “Things are impossible until they are easy”
The association refers to a “breach of trust” after a controversial investment proposal – and thus breaks with the rest of Oceania.
New Zealand Football (NZF) announced on Friday that it is withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president – thus breaking with the Oceanic Football Association OFC.
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“New Zealand Football announces today that the federation has formally withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s candidacy as FIFA president at the 2027 FIFA Congress,” it said in a statement.
NZF refers to a “breach of trust” – amid the controversy surrounding the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, in which FIFA sought to sell private investors a stake of up to 20 percent in the commercial rights to its tournaments, including the World Cup.
Despite the fact that the proposal was withdrawn, NZF is demanding an independent investigation into how it was developed.
“The NZF is also asking for an independent investigation into the process that led to the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal,” the federation says.
“After careful consideration, NZF has come to the conclusion that decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a breach of trust and increased division in international football. An independent investigation is necessary to restore trust and credibility.
The NZF is OFC’s largest member – and the only oceanic nation to qualify for the World Cup in 2026.
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OFC supports FIFA – but welcomes investigation
The OFC took a more supportive stance towards FIFA’s current leadership after their executive committee met in Fiji on Wednesday.
“The OFC Executive Committee welcomes FIFA’s decision to withdraw the FFE proposal, and its commitment to investigate the issues surrounding the project,” it said in a statement on Friday.
“The OFC recognizes the progress made over the past decade in the development of football in Oceania under FIFA’s leadership, and encourages FIFA to use the investigation as an opportunity to identify and implement necessary changes,” it adds.
Infantino loses support – but still has heavy allies
The European Confederation UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have all called for an investigation into Infantino’s management and criticized his handling of the proposal.
However, the African Football Confederation (CAF) and the South American CONMEBOL still support Infantino.
Infantino is seeking re-election at the FIFA Congress in Morocco on March 17, 2027.
The question now is: Will more federations follow New Zealand’s example – or is Infantino stronger than the critics hope?
