'Change is necessary' - players unite against Fifa

A coalition of current and former footballers has voiced their discontent with Fifa president Gianni Infantino, advocating for a shift in leadership. Mikael Silvestre, a former Manchester United and France defender and member of Fifa's Players Voice Panel, penned a strongly worded X post titled "Enough is Enough!" expressing the need for change at the top of the global football governing body.

High-profile figures such as England defender Lucy Bronze, France's 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit, and former England goalkeeper David James have shared Silvestre's message on social media platforms.

The statement criticizes Infantino's proposed plan to sell stakes in competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. It highlights that players share the same concerns as millions of fans worldwide. The players' statement asserts that they have watched the sport they cherish deviate from its core values under Infantino's leadership. They also point out that major decisions are made without consulting or considering players, and without regard for the fans who support the sport.

The statement calls for unity from grassroots to the top of the game, demanding structural changes at Fifa, including a more direct involvement of players and fans in decision-making. The recent backlash from confederations over the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) controversy has put pressure on Infantino's leadership. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has threatened to boycott all Fifa competitions unless Infantino steps down or faces an election challenge in March 2024.

Several national governing bodies, including England, Wales, and Scotland, have withdrawn their support.

Silvestre's involvement in this movement represents an internal challenge to the existing leadership structure. Despite the criticism, former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, president of the Cameroonian Football Association, defends Infantino. He believes the Fifa leader has made significant contributions, such as creating opportunities for smaller nations to participate in the World Cup and fostering development in African federations. Eto'o encourages acknowledging the positive impact Infantino has had on football.