'Trop c'est trop': Petit, Dacourt, Sylvestre and stars criticise FIFA leadership | OneFootball

A group of former internationals led by Mikaël Silvestre called on Monday for change at FIFA, after the backlash to the aborted plan to open the World Cup to private investors.

According to Le Progres, the joint statement was shared on social media by Emmanuel Petit, Olivier Dacourt and Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze among others, in French, English and Spanish. Tensions around Gianni Infantino’s governance have persisted, and the Italian-Swiss president is seeking re-election in March 2027.

In the text, the signatories say they share the concerns of millions of supporters and that under the current leadership football has drifted from its core values. They argue major decisions have been taken without consulting players and with scant regard for fans, and that change is needed at the top. Recent events, they add, have made silence impossible, and enough is enough.

Silvestre, who serves on a FIFA panel of former players combating racism, initiated the move and said it would be circulated more widely in the hours ahead. They also call for all stakeholders, from grassroots to the elite, to help redefine the sport’s future and for players and supporters to be given a direct voice in football’s governance.

Offering a contrasting view, Samuel Eto’o, the 45-year-old president of the Cameroonian federation and former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker, said: "Gianni Infantino has done nothing wrong," in an interview with CNN. He added: "He has helped our continent. He has helped our federations to develop much more quickly, and we must recognise that. We should support him for everything he has achieved so far."

Source: Le Progres

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