The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has thrown its weight behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino, even as a number of other big confederations clamour for his resignation.
The OFC lauded the gains under Infantino’s tenure and welcomedFIFA’s decision to scrap the controversial Forward Enterprise investment plan, in the wake of an OFC executive committee meeting in Fiji.
“OFC recognises the progress achieved over the last decade in advancing football development in Oceania under FIFA’s leadership,” the body announced.
However, New Zealand Football has bucked the trend of the OFC as the nation formally withdrew its support for Infantino and insisted there be an independent review into the abandoned plan.
New Zealand said the recent events led to a “breakdown in trust” and further divisions in the sport.
“An independent review is required to restore confidence and trust,” New Zealand said.
The divergence is indicative of widening divisions within world football ahead of next year’s presidential elections.
While UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have criticized Infantino, the Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL and the OFC continue to back the current FIFA boss.
With 11 full members, the OFC’s support is not a decision to be taken lightly and may be the turning point in a tight presidential election. New Zealand, the confederation’s largest member and the only Oceania nation to feature in this summer’s World Cup, said more transparency, accountability and stronger governance are now required.
