REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina
Several football icons have turned on FIFA president Gianni Infantino by sharing an angry open letter, which calls out world football's governing body and claims 'enough is enough'.
Infantino and FIFA have been under intense scrutiny for a long time now, with the Swiss-Italian leader in particular sparking outrage among football fans and those involved in the game.
From his close relationship with US President Donald Trump to his plan to sell World Cup shares, Infantino has been involved in a number of scandals recently. Now, several huge names in world football have come out in a message against FIFA's current direction.
Arsenal Icons Among Those to Turn on Infantino
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Among those to have shared the message are Arsenal legends Emmanuel Petit and Robert Pires. They've also been joined by ex-Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre, Juan Sebastian Veron and former Lioness Lucy Bronze.
The statement expressed the same concerns many fans have shared in recent times. "As players, football has given us everything, and we have given our lives to it. Between us, we have played on its greatest stages and worn our national shirts with pride," it read.
"But we know that none of our achievements would’ve been possible without the fans, whose passion and commitment are the foundation of this game.
"We share the exact same concerns as the millions of fans around the world. Like them, we have watched the game we love drift away from its core values under FIFA's current leadership.
"For too long, we’ve seen major decisions taken without players being consulted or considered, and without any regard for the fans who sustain the sport."
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianni Infantino
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianni Infantino
While Infantino's name is never mentioned in the lengthy post, it's a damning statement from some influential voices in football. It continues to say 'change is necessary', which may hint at recent calls for Infantino to be removed from his position.
"Change is necessary. Power has blurred the current leadership’s ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football.
"Recent events have made silence impossible. Enough is enough. We call on all stakeholders to step forward and help reshape the future of our sport.
"This is a call that unites us all, from the grassroots to the top of the game."
Ballon d'Or Winner Called For Infantino to Quit
REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
They aren't the first ex-players to publicly go against FIFA, or its leader. Ballon d'Or winner Luis Figo took to social media earlier this month to demand Infantino resign from his position with the organisation.
The Portuguese legend posted: "Today I join others from across our game and call for Gianni Infantino to resign as FIFA President. Infantino has debased the office that he promised to elevate.
"He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.