Emmanuel Petit and Mikaël Silvestre join legends demanding FIFA reform | OneFootball

Emmanuel Petit and Mikaël Silvestre have fronted a coalition of former internationals calling for immediate FIFA governance reform and a direct say for players and supporters. Their intervention follows criticism from Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s former number three.

According to Reuters, the signatories include Bixente Lizarazu, Robert Pirès, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Juan Sebastián Verdón, Claudio Pizarro, Lucy Bronze and Briana Scurry.

In a joint statement, the group argues that world football has drifted from its core values under Gianni Infantino, in post since 2016. They say the exercise of power has blurred leaders’ ability to separate personal interests from the wider good of the sport.

Petit and Silvestre shared the message on Instagram on Monday afternoon in French, English and Spanish, closing with the sentiment that enough is enough.

The move comes amid mounting pressure on Infantino after he dropped a plan to sell 20 per cent of a FIFA commercial rights vehicle to private investors. He has shown no indication of stepping down.

Several confederations, including UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF, are discussing a possible vote of no confidence ahead of next year’s re-election.

The former players want formal involvement for footballers and supporters in key decisions, and say they will not remain silent for the good of the game. FIFA has yet to respond.

Source: L'Équipe

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