A HOST of football legends including Robert Pires and Emmanuel Petit have signed an open letter turning on Gianni Infantino.
The pair are among a group of ‘Fifa Legends’ who are paid to appear in roles promoting the football world governing body.
Robert Pires is among the signatories of the open letter Credit: AFP
They are demanding a change at the top of world football – and for Gianni Infantino to go Credit: Reuters
However, in the latest blow to Infantino, they have turned on him with a bruising statement.
The post reads: “As players, football has given us everything, and we have given our lives to it.
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“Between us, we have played on its greatest stages and worn our national shirts with pride.
“But we know that none of our achievements would’ve been possible without the fans, whose passion and commitment is 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.
“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.
“There are good people within FIFA who want to rebuild trust, but a new era requires a structural change: a real, direct say for players and fans in how football is run.
“Those who step onto the pitch and those who sit in the stands deserve a genuine voice to help reshape football’s future together.
“The football community has been quiet for too long.
“For the fans, for the players, and for the good of the game, we will be silent no more.”
More to follow…
