FIFA legends say 'enough is enough' as they tear into Infantino with bombshell statement

A number of FIFA legends, including Robert Pires and Juan Sebastian Veron have said that "enough is enough," citing how football has lost core values under Gianni Infantino's leadership in a bombshell statement. The Swiss president of FIFA has come under fire following a controversial World Cup in North America, coupled with plans to sell shares of the tournament to the highest bidder.

Just a matter of weeks ago, Infantino revealed plans for a scheme dubbed the FIFA Forward Enterprise, which was quickly condemned by fans of the beautiful game, as well as continental governing bodies. UEFA even went as far as boycotting world football's most prestigious tournament if Infantino's vision came to fruition.

As a result, the FFE was canned altogether, with Infantino scrambling to mend broken relationships worldwide. And now, a number of footballing legends have vowed to make a difference, refusing to sit in silence as the game loses meaning.

In a statement shared on social media, a cohort 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.

"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.

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"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."

It comes as FIFA is currently preparing for a presidential election, which is set to take place in March 2027. While UEFA have been one of Infantino's biggest critics as of recent, their leader in Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed that he will not be running for the role.

Speaking on The Rest is Politics, he saidL "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.

"The second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I'm not interested in the position."