Oceania Backs Infantino as New Zealand Breaks Ranks

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has supported FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership despite growing divisions over his re-election bid. The OFC acknowledged the progress made in advancing football in the region during the past decade under FIFA's guidance and urged FIFA to review the situation to identify potential changes.

However, New Zealand Football, the sole OFC nation to qualify for this year's World Cup, has diverged from the regional confederation's stance. They withdrew their backing for Infantino and called for an independent review of the scrapped investment plan. New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell emphasized their desire to avoid a "sort of in-house quick washover" of the situation.

An independent review, sought by other confederations, could help restore trust. Infantino maintains support from Africa and South America, with both confederations reaffirming their backing. The Confederation of African Football's executive committee unanimously agreed, while six Arab football association chiefs, including officials from Qatar and Morocco, also endorsed Infantino.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF have called for a review of Infantino's leadership, and this growing division is anticipated to influence the FIFA presidential election in March next year, when Infantino seeks a fourth term.