The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has thrown its weight behind Gianni Infantino, lauding the Swiss‑Italian’s decade‑long effort to expand football development across the Pacific.
A Fragile Consensus
New Zealand, the confederation’s biggest member, announced that it can no longer stand behind Infantino, urging an independent review of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan and warning that the current leadership has eroded trust among member associations.
The move has exposed a fault line in world football, with smaller nations such as American Samoa and the Cook Islands continuing to back Infantino, while powerhouses from Europe, Africa and South America have also voiced their support.
The OFC’s statement, delayed until now, underscores the hesitation of a region that traditionally follows the lead of its larger neighbours, and it comes at a pivotal moment when the FIFA presidency will be decided at the upcoming congress.
Infantino’s tenure has overseen the successful co‑hosting of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, a milestone that the confederation cites as evidence of his commitment to inclusive growth.
Analysts say the split within Oceania could tip the balance of votes in the election, giving Infantino a modest but potentially decisive edge if the smaller members coalesce behind him.