Calls for FIFA Leadership Change Intensify Ahead of Elections

Former and current football players have intensified calls for a change in FIFA leadership as president Gianni Infantino faces increasing pressure ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. A statement from Mikael Silvestre, a former Manchester United defender and member of FIFA’s Players’ Voice panel, declared that "Enough is enough!" Prominent figures such as England's Lucy Bronze and France's 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit have voiced their support for reform on social media.

They criticized FIFA's current administration for failing to adhere to football's fundamental values and making important decisions without player or supporter input. The criticism follows Infantino's controversial proposal to sell parts of a company being formed to manage the World Cup to the private sector.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin acknowledged that Infantino's opponents could pose a significant challenge, while he himself will not run for FIFA president. Samuel Eto’o supported Infantino, suggesting that the accusations against him were politically motivated, and mentioned potential candidates like Victor Montagliani, the CONCACAF president, who later withdrew after opposition from several top officials.