FIFA divide widens, New Zealand drops Infantino backing 🇳🇿 | OneFootball

FIFA divide widens, New Zealand drops Infantino backing 🇳🇿 | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: OneFootball

OneFootball

·14 August 2026

FIFA divide widens, New Zealand drops Infantino backing 🇳🇿

Article image:FIFA divide widens, New Zealand drops Infantino backing 🇳🇿

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 of the 2027 FIFA Congress.

Article image:FIFA divide widens, New Zealand drops Infantino backing 🇳🇿

The Oceanian body is going a step further in its break and has formally requested an independent review of the development of the FIFA Forward Enterprise program. This demand for an external audit represents an unprecedented blow to the financial and development management of the world governing body.


OneFootball Videos


After an internal analysis, the New Zealand federation concludes that FIFA’s decisions have caused a loss of confidence and greater division in international football. NZF insists that only an external investigation will make it possible to restore credibility to the management of the international body.

The organization believes that the current situation offers an ideal opportunity for member associations to demand stronger governance, transparency, and accountability. With this move, New Zealand opens a new global front that goes beyond the opposition previously seen on the European continent.

The New Zealand decision follows in the wake of the door slammed by Ireland and other European federations. The critical current against Infantino’s leadership is taking on global proportions and seriously undermines his internal backing ahead of the next elections.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.


📸 Alex Grimm - 2026 Getty Images

View publisher imprint