New Zealand Football withdraws support for Infantino and calls for a FIFA review.
New Zealand Football issued an official statement on Thursday (13) marking a turning point in the race for the FIFA presidency. The organization announced the formal withdrawal of its support for Gianni Infantino‘s re-election bid, citing a breakdown in trust and increased division in international football. The decision reflects growing discontent with the current leadership of the governing body.
The statement, published on social media, highlights that the decision to withdraw support was reached after a careful analysis of the decisions made under Infantino‘s leadership. The New Zealand federation not only withdrew its vote but also requested an independent review of the FIFA Forward Enterprise program, signaling deep concerns regarding governance and transparency.
A Growing Opposition Bloc
New Zealand now joins a group of 136 countries that have already expressed opposition to the re-election of Gianni Infantino. This bloc, composed of members from UEFA (Europe), AFC (Asia), and Concacaf (North, Central America and the Caribbean), formalized its position through a joint letter. The union of these confederations demonstrates a broad and organized front against the continuation of the current FIFA administration.
A Call for Credibility and Transparency
In its note, New Zealand Football emphasized the need for an independent review to restore credibility and trust in FIFA. The organization believes the current scenario offers an opportunity for all member associations to advocate for more robust governance, with greater accountability and transparency, which are fundamental elements for world football.
The Federation stated:
After careful analysis, NZF concluded that decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division in international football, making an independent review necessary to restore credibility and trust.
Next Steps and the Electoral Landscape
The withdrawal of New Zealand‘s support carries significant symbolic weight, reinforcing the sense of dissatisfaction permeating various confederations. The FIFA Congress, where the election will take place in March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco, promises to be more competitive than expected. The move could encourage other associations to re-evaluate their positions and unite for a change in management.
