Amid the support that Gianni Infantino continues to receive from various confederations, federations, and member associations of FIFA, New Zealand took a different stance and became the latest country to withdraw its support for the Swiss leader's candidacy.
The decision of the New Zealand Football Federation is mainly linked to the failed development of the FIFA Forward Enterprise program, regarding which the oceanic entity seeks an independent review.
New Zealand questioned FIFA's management
In a statement, the NZF formally confirmed the change of stance ahead of the FIFA Congress in 2027.
"The New Zealand Football Federation (NZF) announced that it has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino's candidacy for the presidency of FIFA at the FIFA Congress in 2027," the organization stated.
The federation also explained that its decision is not limited to electoral support for Infantino, but is a response to a loss of confidence in certain decisions made within FIFA.
"The NZF is also requesting an independent review of the measures taken to develop the FIFA Forward Enterprise program. After careful consideration, the NZF believes that the decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a loss of trust and an increase in division within international football, and that an independent review is needed to restore trust and credibility," the entity stated.
The call for greater transparency
New Zealand's position also included a request for changes in governance, accountability, and transparency, three aspects that the federation considers essential to regain trust in the leadership of world football.
"The NZF believes that this moment represents an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to advocate for greater governance, accountability, and transparency, aspects that are fundamental to maintaining trust in the administration of world football," the statement concluded.
