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FIFA Crisis: French Football Legends Demand Gianni Infantino's Departure

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Several former French international footballers, including Mikaël Silvestre and Emmanuel Petit, have called for a change in FIFA's leadership.
  • They expressed concerns that the current administration has lost touch with the sport's core values and prioritizes personal interests.
  • The call for change comes amid a crisis within FIFA following a failed plan to involve private investors in World Cup revenues.

A group of former French international footballers, led by Mikaël Silvestre and including Emmanuel Petit and Olivier Dacourt, have publicly demanded a leadership change at FIFA. They issued a joint statement asserting that "change is necessary" and that "the exercise of power has altered the current leaders' ability to distinguish their personal interests from the superior interest of football."

Change is necessary. The exercise of power has altered the current leaders' ability to distinguish their personal interests from the superior interest of football.

— Mikaël Silvestre, Emmanuel Petit, Olivier DacourtIn a joint statement shared on social media.

The statement, initiated by Silvestre who is involved with FIFA on an anti-racism panel, is set to be shared more widely and has already been endorsed by England's Lucy Bronze. The former players stated they share the concerns of millions of fans worldwide, feeling that "the sport we love has moved away from its fundamental values under FIFA's current leadership."

We share exactly the same concerns as millions of supporters around the world. Like them, we have seen the sport we love move away from its fundamental values under FIFA's current leadership.

— Former playersIn their joint statement.

While not directly addressing FIFA President Gianni Infantino by name, the footballers' statement criticizes "major decisions" being made "without consultation or consideration for the players and without any regard for the fans who keep this sport alive." They declared, "Too much is too much," and urged "all stakeholders to take action."

For too long, major decisions have been made without consultation or consideration for the players and without any regard for the fans who keep this sport alive.

— Former playersIn their joint statement.

The group advocates for "fundamental reform" of FIFA, calling for players and supporters to have a "real and direct say" in the sport's governance. This echoes a petition launched by fan organizations. Despite these calls, Infantino remains determined to seek re-election in March 2027, though he has seen several federations withdraw their support.

Too much is too much.

— Former playersIn their joint statement, calling for action.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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