Current and former footballers have joined the growing calls for change at the top of FIFA as pressure continues to build on world governing body president Gianni Infantino.
Ex-Manchester United and France defender Mikael Silvestre led the intervention on Monday with a statement entitled “Enough is Enough!” The 48-year-old, a member of Fifa’s 16-strong Players’ Voice Panel, posted the message on 𝕏, where it was supported by England defender Lucy Bronze, former France international Emmanuel Petit and ex-England goalkeeper David James.
The players said they had “the same concerns as the millions of fans around the world” and slammed Infantino’s controversial plan to sell stakes in top football competitions including the World Cup to private investors.
“We have seen the game we love taken away from its core values under Fifa’s current leadership,” the statement said.
“For too long we have seen major decisions taken without players being consulted or considered and without any thought for the fans who keep the sport going.
The group also called for “structural change” within FIFA and for a greater role for players and supporters in the governance of football.
“Change is needed. Power has muddled the current leadership about what is best for them and what is best for football. Silence is no longer available. Recent events
Silvestre’s involvement has given the nascent opposition more weight, given his place on FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, which the governing body set up to help monitor and advise its efforts to tackle racism in football.
The latest criticism comes amid mounting opposition to Infantino over the FIFA Forward Enterprise controversy. Several football confederations and national associations have distanced themselves and UEFA have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has also said he expects Infantino to resign or be challenged when FIFA holds its next presidential election in March. Football associations in England, Wales and Scotland have also withdrawn support for FIFA president.
Some people still back Infantino, including former Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o who has come to his defense.
“I still believe that for us as Africans, this project was something that could have been amazing,” Eto’o told CNN on Monday.
“It would have leveled the playing field in football and made sure our talent didn’t disappear and play for other nations.
“Infantino has changed the game. He’s given opportunities to countries that didn’t have those opportunities to be a part of the beautiful tournament, the World Cup. He opened up these competitions to smaller nations. He has helped our continent.” “He’s helped our federations develop much more quickly, and we have to say that.”
