New Zealand has withdrawn its support for the re-election of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling on Friday for an independent review of a controversial plan within the governing body.
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The move represents another setback for the Swiss official as he seeks a fourth term next year.
Andrew Pragnell, chief executive of New Zealand Football, said his country is calling for an independent review of a proposal that sought to sell 20% of FIFA’s commercial rights to private-sector investors.
He said the aim is to restore confidence in FIFA’s leadership and governance mechanisms.
Pragnell said the review should not be a “quick internal fix” and should examine FIFA’s decision-making and oversight processes, as well as the parties involved in developing the proposal, which was later abandoned.
New Zealand’s move follows calls by three continental confederations UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF or a review of FIFA’s handling of the project. Australia has also joined calls for an independent review, although it has not clearly stated its position on Infantino’s candidacy.
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), meanwhile, expressed cautious support for Infantino, welcoming FIFA’s withdrawal of the proposal but urging the organization to use the review to identify and implement necessary changes.
The New Caledonia Football Federation renewed its “unequivocal” support for Infantino, praising what it described as his policies on funding, reform and dialogue.
Infantino continues to enjoy the backing of other continental and national associations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously renewed its support for him, while several Arab football federation presidents, including those from Qatar and Morocco, have declared their support for his candidacy.
Infantino is preparing to contest the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March, seeking a fourth term.
Infantino had proposed separating the commercial rights to the World Cup and selling a 20% stake to private investors for around $4.2 billion, before abandoning the plan following widespread criticism.
Meanwhile, Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House task force for the 2026 World Cup, defended Infantino and rejected the criticism directed at him, arguing that his detractors are downplaying his achievements in managing the most recent tournament.
