Players and federations call for change at Fifa amid presidential election build-up
Players Call for Leadership Change
A group of current and former footballers has publicly called for a change in leadership at Fifa, stating that “enough is enough.” This intervention is notable as some individuals involved have previously participated in Fifa’s “Fifa Legends” programme, which includes ambassadorial activities for the organisation. Among those who have shared the statement are former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikaël Silvestre, who is also a member of Fifa’s 16-member players’ voice panel focused on anti-racism initiatives.
Other prominent figures who have supported the statement include England defender Lucy Bronze, former England goalkeeper David James, and France 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit. More signatories are anticipated to join this collective action, which follows what has been described as an ill-fated attempt by Gianni Infantino to sell stakes in the World Cup.
The statement reflects concerns shared by many fans globally, asserting that the sport has deviated from its fundamental values under the current Fifa leadership. It highlights that significant decisions have been made without consulting or considering players and without regard for the fans who support football. The group believes that change is essential, suggesting that the current leadership’s judgment has been clouded by power, making it difficult to distinguish between personal interests and the best interests of football. Recent events, they argue, have made silence impossible.
The footballers are advocating for efforts to “reshape the future of our sport.” They acknowledge the presence of individuals within Fifa who desire to rebuild trust but emphasise that a new era necessitates a structured change, including a direct voice for players and fans in the governance of football. They contend that those who play and those who watch deserve a genuine say in shaping the sport’s future.
Infantino’s Response and Other Perspectives
Despite these calls for his resignation, Gianni Infantino was in the Dominican Republic on Saturday, attending a youth tournament. His visit was reportedly an effort to improve relations with smaller Caribbean member associations, whose support could be crucial for his future at Fifa.
In contrast to the players’ stance, former Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o, who now serves as president of the Cameroonian football federation, expressed a different view. In an interview, Eto’o stated that he believes Infantino has not made any missteps. He also advocated for the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme to be reconsidered if Infantino is re-elected in March. Eto’o suggested that funding from this scheme would “reset the balance of power” in football and help prevent African nations from losing top players to other national teams.
Eto’o indicated that the current criticisms are linked to the upcoming election. He urged his colleagues and fellow presidents to review the project, expressing confidence that if there is a democratic vote, the project would be adopted due to its potential benefits for the majority.
Presidential Election Landscape
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has clarified his position regarding the upcoming Fifa presidential elections scheduled for March 2027. Ceferin confirmed that he will not seek the presidency, despite his known disagreements with Gianni Infantino. This decision leaves the field open for other potential challengers, though their identities remain unconfirmed.
Speaking on a British podcast, Ceferin reiterated his lack of interest in the Fifa presidency, affirming his commitment to his role at UEFA, which he has led since 2016. He suggested that his credibility as a prominent opponent of Infantino would be stronger if he were not personally pursuing the position.
Ceferin’s stance is linked to ongoing tensions between UEFA and Infantino. Controversy arose from the Fifa president’s proposals to involve investors in the governing body, leading to increased opposition from European football organisations. UEFA had previously threatened to boycott all Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, before the contentious project was withdrawn. Despite this, UEFA’s opposition to Infantino’s continued leadership has not changed.
Ceferin outlined two potential scenarios for the election: either Infantino recognises he lacks sufficient support for re-election, or he proceeds with his candidacy, in which case Ceferin anticipates a rival candidate will emerge. Ceferin admitted he does not yet know who this challenger might be. Media reports have suggested Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF, as a possible contender. Federations opposed to Infantino, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, have reportedly been strengthening their alliances.
Infantino has responded to criticism by emphasising the importance of developing football across all 211 member associations and bridging the gap between major footballing nations and the rest of the world. Ceferin, in turn, countered Infantino’s remarks about an “arrogant Europe,” pointing out that the current president is himself European and achieved his position with UEFA’s support. The Fifa presidential elections are set to take place in the Moroccan city of Rabat in March 2027, where any candidate will need to secure a majority of votes from the 211 member associations. Infantino is currently the only officially declared candidate for the election.
Source: theguardian.com
