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Football legends divided over Infantino

Published : Thursday, 27 August, 2026 at 10:23 AM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

South American football legends Cafu, Roberto Carlos, and Javier Zanetti have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino as calls for his resignation intensify.

Former Argentine stars Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Pastore also joined in issuing a statement praising Infantino for increasing player representation within FIFA leadership over the last decade.

Infantino, in office since February 2016, faced severe backlash over a proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

Although the plan was scrapped following widespread opposition, UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF, and several national authorities continue to question his leadership.

The situation has created a clear divide among former stars.

While South American icons and Confederation of African Football (CAF) figures like Samuel Eto'o support Infantino, European legends Emmanuel Petit, Robert Pires, Bixente Lizarazu, and Didier Drogba have publicly demanded his removal.

-SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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