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New Zealand Withdraws Support from **Gianni Infantino**

BBC Sport Football •
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New Zealand has publicly withdrawn support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino, citing distrust in FIFA's governance. This follows three regional confederations—Uefa, AFC, and Concacaf—also rejecting Infantino's controversial plan to sell 20% of World Cup commercial rights. NZF argues the Fifa Forward Enterprise Scheme (FFE) undermined trust, prompting calls for an independent review.

While OFC did not fully abandon Infantino, it endorsed the review. New Zealand, the sole OFC member in the 2026 World Cup, joins England, Wales, and others in opposing Infantino. Conversely, Mexico and Argentina backed him.

NZF chief Andrew Pragnell emphasized accountability: 'An independent review is critical to restore confidence.' OFC acknowledged FIFA's withdrawal of the FFE but stopped short of withdrawing support. The move highlights growing rifts within international football over commercialization and governance.