World Cup winners, FIFA legends say Infantino blinded by power

A coalition of former international footballers, including World Cup champions and FIFA legends, has publicly called for immediate change within the sport's global governing body. The group asserts that FIFA's current leadership, under President Gianni Infantino, has become detached from the sport's core values, driven by self-interest rather than the good of football.

The players expressed shared concerns with millions of fans worldwide, stating, "Like them, we have watched the game we love drift away from its core values under FIFA's current leadership. Change is necessary. Power has blurred the current leadership's ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football."

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Like them, we have watched the game we love drift away from its core values under FIFA's current leadership. Change is necessary. Power has blurred the current leadership's ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football.

Infantino has faced significant pressure to resign, particularly after proposing the creation of a commercial entity for FIFA tournament rights and selling a stake to private investors. Despite opposition from several confederations, including UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, and discussions about a potential no-confidence vote, Infantino has shown no indication of stepping down from his position, which he has held since 2016.

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We call on all stakeholders to step forward and help reshape the future of our sport. There are good people within FIFA who want to rebuild trust, but a new era requires a structural change: a real, direct say for players and fans in how football is run.

The group, which includes notable figures like Emmanuel Petit, Bixente Lizarazu, Robert Pires, Briana Scurry, Lucy Bronze, Claudio Pizarro, Juan Sebastian Veron, Emmanuel Adebayor, Didier Drogba, and David James, is urging all stakeholders to actively participate in reshaping the future of football. They advocate for a "real, direct say for players and fans in how football is run," believing that structural change is essential for rebuilding trust.

With Infantino up for re-election next year, regional football powerhouses are reportedly considering a no-confidence vote ahead of the ballot. The players' statement concluded with a firm resolve: "For the fans, for the players, and for the good of the game, we will be silent no more."

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Those who step onto the pitch and those who sit in the stands deserve a genuine voice to help reshape football's future together. For the fans, for the players, and for the good of the game, we will be silent no more.