Robert Pires, Juan Sebastian Veron, lead soccer legends calling for FIFA reform

A group of FIFA legends, including Robert Pires and Juan Sebastian Veron, have declared that “enough is enough,” citing how soccer has abandoned its core values under Gianni Infantino’s leadership in an explosive statement. The Swiss FIFA President has faced intense scrutiny following a contentious World Cup in North America, compounded by plans to auction shares of the tournament to the highest bidder.

Just weeks ago, Infantino unveiled a scheme dubbed the FIFA Forward Enterprise, which was swiftly condemned by fans of the beautiful game, as well as continental governing bodies. UEFA even threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments should Infantino’s vision come to fruition.

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Consequently, the FFE was scrapped entirely, with Infantino scrambling to repair fractured relationships across the globe. Now, a collection of soccer greats have pledged to make a difference, refusing to remain silent as the game loses its meaning, as per The Mirror.

In a statement shared across social media, a group of players wrote: “As players, football has given us everything, and we have given our lives to it. 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.

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“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.

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“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.”

This comes as FIFA prepares for a presidential election scheduled for March 2027. While UEFA has emerged as one of Infantino’s most vocal critics in recent times, their President, Aleksander Ceferin, has confirmed he will not be putting his name forward for the position.

Speaking on The Rest is Politics, he said: “I’m not interested because of two reasons. One reason is that I love UEFA and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point, it’s time to also enjoy life a bit.

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“The second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I’m not interested in the position.”