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New Zealand has become the latest nation whose soccer federation has dropped its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino -Credit:DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images
New Zealand has become the latest country to withdraw its backing for Gianni Infantino ahead of next year's FIFA presidential election.
Infantino has severely damaged his standing through a series of self-inflicted controversies following the World Cup, most notably an attempt to sell a stake in the tournament to private equity that prompted soccer federations worldwide to unite in opposition. The deal, spearheaded by Josh Kushner , would have seen the FIFA President award himself a $30 million annual salary.
The push to open international soccer to private investment was met with fierce resistance. UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC all rejected the proposals, with 143 of FIFA's 211 member nations formally opposing Infantino's plans — and the 56-year-old is hemorrhaging support ahead of the 2027 election.
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-Credit:Alex Livesey - Danehouse, Getty Images
In a statement posted on social media, New Zealand Football officially pulled its endorsement of Infantino as FIFA President ahead of next year's vote. The federation also confirmed its desire for an independent review of Infantino's failed FFE scheme, and called for "stronger governance" within soccer's governing body, as per The Mirror US .
"New Zealand Football (NZF) today announced that it has formally withdrawn its support for the candidature of Gianni Infantino as FIFA President at the 2027 FIFA Congress," the statement read. "In addition, NZF is also seeking an independent review of the steps undertaken to develop the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme.
"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, and that an independent review is required to restore confidence and trust.
"NZF believes 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 in the administration of the global game."
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Infantino is due for re-election next year. Should he survive any attempts to remove him before then, he will campaign for a fourth term as FIFA President, which would represent his final stint at the helm of the organization.
One prominent figure firmly in Infantino's corner is U.S. President Donald Trump. The 80-year-old and Infantino share a close bond, having collaborated both before and during the 2026 World Cup in North America.
In a recent social media post, Trump labeled calls for Infantino's removal a "mistake," warning the World Cup would never be "successful or profitable" again without him. He wrote: "FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino.
"He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again."
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