Archive · 14 Aug 2026
New Zealand Football Withdraws Infantino Support, Demands Independent FIFA Review
New Zealand Football is the group in charge of soccer in New Zealand.
It has decided it no longer supports Gianni Infantino being the president of FIFA, the group in charge of soccer around the world.
Infantino wanted to be president again, but New Zealand Football says it will not back him.
New Zealand Football also wants someone to look carefully at a FIFA money program called the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
This happened after FIFA had a plan to sell part of the World Cup's commercial rights to investors to raise lots of money.
The plan was supposed to raise about 7.2 billion US dollars.
Many people criticized the plan, so it was stopped.
New Zealand Football says FIFA has caused a loss of trust and more arguments in world soccer.
It wants the people in charge of soccer to be more open and honest.
Another group called the Oceania Football Confederation said it is happy the plan was stopped and will keep working with FIFA.
New Zealand Football formally withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president at the 2027 FIFA Congress.
NZF called for an independent review into the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.
Infantino had proposed selling 20 percent of World Cup commercial rights to private investors to raise about USD 7.2 billion before withdrawing the plan after criticism.
NZF stated that FIFA's decisions and actions contributed to a 'breakdown in trust' and 'increased division' within international football.
The Oceania Football Confederation welcomed FIFA's withdrawal of the FFE proposal and encouraged FIFA to use the review to implement necessary changes.
- Who
- New Zealand Football (NZF), which withdrew support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino; the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) also issued a response.
- What
- NZF withdrew its support for Infantino's re-election at the 2027 FIFA Congress and called for an independent review of the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme.
- When
- Announced ahead of the 2027 FIFA Congress, as Infantino seeks re-election next year.
- Where
- Auckland, New Zealand, in the context of international football governance.
- Why
- NZF said decisions and actions within FIFA contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football.
NZF's Critical Stance
OFC's Reconciliatory Stance
Review of FIFA Forward Enterprise
NZF's Critical Stance
New Zealand Football calls for an independent review of the FFE scheme, citing a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football.
OFC's Reconciliatory Stance
The Oceania Football Confederation welcomes FIFA's decision to withdraw the FFE proposal and supports FIFA's own commitment to review the issues surrounding the project.
Support for Infantino's Leadership
NZF's Critical Stance
NZF formally withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino's candidature as FIFA president, pushing for stronger governance, accountability and transparency.
OFC's Reconciliatory Stance
OFC recognizes the progress achieved over the last decade in advancing football development in Oceania under FIFA's leadership and remains committed to constructive collaboration with FIFA.
- Organization
- New Zealand Football (NZF)
- FIFA President
- Gianni Infantino
- Event
- 2027 FIFA Congress
- FFE Proposal Value
- USD 7.2 billion (NZD 12.3 billion)
- Proposed Private Investment
- 20 percent of World Cup commercial rights
- Key Action
- Withdrawal of support and call for independent review of FFE scheme
- OFC Response
- Welcomed FFE withdrawal, committed to dialogue with FIFA