Under renewed fire: New Zealand Football withdraws support for Infantino, urges review

New Zealand Football said on Friday it had withdrawn support for FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and called for an independent review into his aborted plan to sell off part of the World Cup.

Infantino came under renewed fire this week in an open letter signed by three confederations — UEFA, North and Central America’s CONCACAF and Asia’s AFC — accusing the world football boss of breaking trust “through deception”.

It is believed they want the Swiss official to resign before he has the chance to seek re-election in March next year.

New Zealand Football became the latest FIFA member to withdraw support on Friday.

“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,” the association said.

“An independent review is required to restore confidence and trust.”

“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 of the administration of the global game,” the association added.

The statement follows a meeting of the regional Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), of which NZF is a member, on Wednesday.

In a statement on Friday the group said it welcomed the decision to shelve the investment plan but did not call for Infantino to go.

“Good governance, transparency and respect for established institutional processes are fundamental to the effective administration and sustainable development of football,” the OFC said.

FIFA has hit back at efforts “to undermine” football’s governing body and the besieged Infantino.

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