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New Zealand Football withdraws support for Infantino, calls for review

7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 9:06 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

New Zealand Football withdraws support for Infantino, calls for review
Summary

New Zealand Football announced on August 14 that it has withdrawn support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The decision comes amid increasing pressure following accusations from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, which accused Infantino of breaking trust. New Zealand Football cited a breakdown in trust and division within international football, urging for an independent review to restore confidence. The Oceania Football Confederation welcomed the shelving of Infantino's investment plan but stopped short of calling for his resignation. FIFA responded by defending its leadership against efforts perceived as undermining its authority.

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By the Numbers
  • •New Zealand Football withdrew support for Gianni Infantino on August 14.
  • •The move follows a letter from multiple confederations criticizing Infantino.
  • •NZF calls for an independent review to rebuild trust in FIFA.
  • •Oceania Football Confederation supports the decision to shelve Infantino's investment plan.
  • •FIFA defends its leadership amid increasing calls for accountability.
Latest Updates
  • 9:59 AMESPN Soccer — New Zealand stands alone in OFC against Infantino
  • 8:03 AMYahoo Sports — New Zealand’s football federation withdraws support for Infantino
  • 7:12 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA divide widens, New Zealand drops Infantino backing 🇳🇿
  • 6:19 AMYahoo Sports — New Zealand break with OFC to withdraw Infantino support
  • 6:19 AMBBC Sport — New Zealand break with OFC to withdraw Infantino support
  • 1:10 AMYahoo Sports — New Zealand Football withdraws support for Infantino, urges review
What they're saying
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New Zealand’s football federation has withdrawn its support for under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a break with the wider Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). New Zealand Football (NZF), the country’s national governing body, has confirmed it will not back the incumbent president, who is losing global support rapidly over his aborted plan to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors, when he seeks re-election next year.

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New Zealand Football said on Friday it had withdrawn support for FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and called for an independent review into his aborted plan to sell off part of the World Cup.New Zealand Football became the latest FIFA member to withdraw support on Friday.

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Opposition to Gianni Infantino goes beyond European borders. The New Zealand Football Federation (NZF) has officially announced the withdrawal of its support for the Swiss official’s candidacy ahead...

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