via Reuters
After recent events, Gianni Infantino's position as FIFA president is more at risk than at any other period across his 10-year reign. The 56-year-old has faced major criticism for his plans to privatise the World Cup, with many withdrawing support ahead of the next election.
Most notably, UEFA responded to the plan by claiming the 55 nations that make up the European body would refuse to take part in future World Cups. While Infantino backed down and the boycott no longer seems likely, it still looks as though the Swiss administrator could lose his job.
A number of nations have publicly withdrawn support for Infantino – including the likes of England and Germany – with FIFA presidential elections set to be held in March 2027. Despite the current chief's apparent unpopularity, one legendary former striker has backed the 56-year-old.
Iconic Striker Backs Infantino Amid World Cup Criticism
REUTERS/Carl Recine
Speaking to CNN Sports, Samuel Eto'o has pledged his support for Gianni Infantino, claiming that there was good in the FIFA president's plan to sell off part of the World Cup to private investors. The iconic former striker – who won two Champions League titles with Barcelona, and a third at Inter Milan – explained:
Despite the stance of the former Chelsea and Everton striker, many footballers have turned against Infantino in recent times. Just this week, Emmanuel Petit, Robert Pires, Mikael Silvestre, Juan Sebastian Veron and former Lioness Lucy Bronze all shared a statement which insisted that 'change is necessary' at FIFA amid the recent scandals.
Former Ballon d'Or winner Luis Figo has also called the president to resign, stating: "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."
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino pose for a photograph
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino pose for a photograph
Eto'o Claims Infantino's Plan Would Have Helped African Football
Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry
Despite the fallout after Infantino looked to sell FIFA tournaments to private investors, Eto'o – who is the current president of the Cameroonian Football Federation – has explained why he thinks there was actually merit to the plan. He suggested that the investment could have helped African football:
The former Cameroon striker explained how, with more investment in smaller nations, countries across Africa could hold onto their talent, instead of seeing them disappear to Europe. He referenced Kylian Mbappe, who has Cameroonian heritage through his father, noting: "We want to see the Messis, we want to see the Mbappes, but I would like to see Mbappes play for Cameroon. I would like to see some Mbappes be able to grow here."
Eto'o then claimed that any outrage over the World Cup sale proposal was exaggerated by the press. He explained: "I am convinced that the voices that were raised, those are not the voices of the majority," before concluding: "The biggest nations occupy the media space."