New Zealand break with OFC to withdraw Infantino support
Summary
New Zealand has decided not to support Gianni Infantino for a fourth term as FIFA president. This decision follows concerns about trust and transparency related to FIFA’s plan to sell part of the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors.Key Facts
- New Zealand is the only Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) member to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
- New Zealand Football wants an independent review of FIFA’s Forward Enterprise Scheme to restore trust.
- Several other countries, including England, Wales, Norway, and Ireland, have also withdrawn support for Infantino.
- Three regional football groups—Europe’s UEFA, Asia’s AFC, and North/Central America’s Concacaf—no longer support Infantino.
- Africa’s CAF and South America’s Conmebol continue to back Infantino for re-election.
- The OFC welcomed FIFA’s decision to drop the planned commercial rights sale but did not officially withdraw its support for Infantino.
- The controversy centers on FIFA’s attempt to sell 20% of World Cup commercial rights to private investors.
- New Zealand Football emphasizes the need for stronger governance and transparency in FIFA.
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