NZ Football voted for new Fifa president Gianni Infantino

New Zealand Football have confirmed their vote in the Fifa presidential election was cast for successful candidate

Gianni Infantino of Switzerland

The election was held as part of the extraordinary congress which also voted on a reform package to strengthen governing body's governance processes and structure which will provide for more participation by member associations in the strategic direction of Fifa.

Fifa member associations approved the package of wholesale reforms, designed to modernise the organisation and set the foundation for a transparent and trustworthy new Fifa to govern world football.

Former Uefa secretary general Gianni Infantino is the boss of world football's governing body.

Former Uefa secretary general Gianni Infantino is the boss of world football's governing body.

The reform package includes a newly created 36-member Fifa council replacing the old 24-member executive committee and also includes term limits for the President, background checks on top officials, publication of leaders' salaries and oversight by an independent audit and compliance committee with the power to raise red flags about wrongdoing.

NZF president Deryck Shaw said the new reforms are a critical step in the forward progress of the global game.

"I am delighted the reforms have been passed as they are critical for Fifa as it seeks to rebuild football's global reputation and they will only reinforce the strong governance approach we already take in New Zealand," Shaw said.

Meanwhile, in the lead up to the presidential election, Shaw said the NZF delegation was able to speak directly to each of the five candidates through Oceania Football.

Shaw noted each of the candidates supported the proposed reform package of changes before the Congress but, ultimately, Infantino's manifesto was most in line with NZF's vision for the game.

"The New Zealand Football delegation is delighted Gianni Infantino was elected and we firmly believe he is the right person to lead the next period for Fifa including the reform agenda," Shaw said.

"At the Congress the New Zealand Football delegation had the opportunity to establish strong connections with the new president and his wider team at Fifa and we look forward to a closer working relationship with the Fifa president and council."

The new president will commence work on transforming Fifa ahead of the next Fifa congress in May 2016 in Mexico.

- Stuff

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/77338708/nz-football-voted-for-new-fifa-president-gianni-infantino-in-election-at-extraordinary-congress