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New Zealand football reportedly wants Gianni Infantino to resign before the FIFA election next year.
Gianni Infantino is under-fire for his aborted world cup plan. (AP Photo)
New Zealand Football has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, urging an independent review after his plan to sell part of the World Cup was abandoned.
Infantino faced fresh criticism this week after UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC signed an open letter accusing him of breaking trust “through deception”.
It is believed the three confederations want the Swiss official to resign before he can seek re-election in March next year.
New Zealand Football became the latest FIFA member to distance itself from Infantino on Friday.
“After careful consideration NZF has formed the view that decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football,” the association said.
“An independent review is required to restore confidence and trust.”
“This point in time represents an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to advocate for stronger governance, accountability and transparency, which are fundamental in maintaining confidence of the administration of the global game,” the association added.
The statement came two days after a meeting of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), of which NZF is a member.
The OFC said on Friday that it welcomed the decision to shelve the investment plan, but stopped short of calling for Infantino’s departure.
“Good governance, transparency and respect for established institutional processes are fundamental to the effective administration and sustainable development of football,” the OFC said.
FIFA has pushed back against attempts “to undermine” football’s governing body and the besieged Infantino.
With AFP Inputs
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18New Zealand Football has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Other football associations, including Norway, England, Albania, and Croatia, have also withdrawn their support. UEFA is considering a no-confidence motion against Infantino, with all 55 member associations reportedly supporting his removal. However, Infantino still has backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONMEBOL.
Ask News18About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
August 14, 2026, 08:44 IST
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