Football legends Cafu and Roberto Carlos from Brazil, along with Javier Zanetti from Argentina, have openly supported FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino previously faced controversy over his plan to sell a portion of FIFA World Cup commercial rights to private investors, a plan he ultimately withdrew.

Cafu, a FIFA World Cup winner in 1994 and 2002, and Zanetti, a former Argentina international and current Vice President of Inter Milan, among others, wrote on social media that over the past decade, they have witnessed FIFA and Infantino's efforts to empower player voices in world football—something that did not previously exist.

This statement was also supported by Cafu's former Brazil national team teammate Roberto Carlos, as well as Argentine players such as Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Pastore. The statement was released days after other FIFA World Cup winners called for football management to "make the necessary changes."

Cafu and Zanetti stated in their declaration: "Players have gained a voice and a place in the sport by participating in committees, projects, and working groups. Our opinions are heard, and many beneficial initiatives for football have been shaped by our thinking, ideas, plans, and involvement."

These South American legends also committed to continuing to convey the "hope" that the world offers, to "change lives, improve communities, and expand opportunities for everyone around the world."

They concluded by writing: "We will continue to support the remarkable progress this sport has achieved over the past decade, ensuring it continues to benefit all nations and people who play football." This statement represents clear support for the work of FIFA's top administrator.

Infantino hopes to remain in office at the FIFA Congress in March 2027, but has faced widespread criticism in recent weeks, particularly from UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf, with the core dispute centering on his plan to sell 20% of FIFA World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

This statement of support from South American legends was released after FIFA World Cup winners from France—Petit, Lizarazu, and Pires—and Ivorian legend Didier Drogba called for football management to "make the necessary changes." The latter stated that "power has blinded current leadership's ability to distinguish between their own interests and what is truly beneficial for football."

"Recent events have made it impossible for us to remain silent. Enough is enough," they wrote in an open letter also published on social media.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

Situs web AF kini hadir! Lihat berita lengkap, komentar, detail pertandingan, dan statistik di komputer Anda. Kunjungi: www.allfootballapp.com