New Zealand Decides Not to Support Gianni Infantino’s Re-election Bid
New Zealand Football has decided not to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election campaign. Due to dissatisfaction with disputes and commercial plans within FIFA, New Zealand has called for an independent review. NZ Football CEO Andrew Pragnell stated, “An independent review will help restore confidence.” Kathmandu, 14 August.
Amid growing discontent within global football triggered by the failed plan to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors, New Zealand has withdrawn its support for Infantino. Previously, the European Football Association (UEFA), Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF football federations had reduced their backing for Infantino’s initiatives. Meanwhile, the African Football Confederation (CAF) and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) continue to support him for a fourth term.
NZ Football has emphasized the need for an independent review of FIFA’s Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan development process. In a statement, NZ Football said, “We have concluded that decisions and activities within FIFA have led to diminished trust and increased division in international football. An independent review is essential to restore this confidence.” CEO Andrew Pragnell added, “This review should not just be a formality within FIFA but genuinely independent and substantive.”
In addition to New Zealand, England, Wales, Norway, Ireland, and Northern Ireland have already declared they will not support Infantino’s re-election. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the FFE plan but has not yet publicly stated a clear position on whether it will support Infantino. The OFC noted the progress made in football development in the Oceania region over the past decade under FIFA’s leadership and called for a review of issues related to the proposal. Among OFC’s 11 member nations, New Zealand is the only team to have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA’s presidential election will take place at the FIFA Congress scheduled for next March.