New Zealand Withdraws Support for FIFA President Infantino

New Zealand’s national football association has announced it will withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, breaking rank with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). The decision follows a series of disputes over FIFA’s governance and the handling of the 2026 World Cup qualification process, which the New Zealand Football (NZF) board said had eroded confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

The move comes after the OFC’s executive committee voted to maintain a unified stance in support of Infantino, citing the need for stability within the global governing body. NZF’s statement highlighted concerns about transparency, financial management, and the perceived lack of accountability within FIFA’s executive structure. The association also called for reforms that would give national associations a greater voice in decision‑making.

If the withdrawal is upheld, New Zealand will become the latest member of the OFC to publicly distance itself from Infantino, potentially prompting a broader review of FIFA’s governance practices across the region. The OFC has indicated it will seek clarification from FIFA on the implications of the split and will monitor the situation closely.