Former Players Criticize FIFA President Infantino, But Some Support Him

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, is confronting growing dissent from a number of former international football players who argue that "enough is enough" and are calling for his departure from the leadership of world football's governing body.

The criticism reflects deepening frustration among some ex-professionals over Infantino's tenure, which has extended since he first took charge of FIFA in 2016. Their opposition appears rooted in broader concerns about the direction and management of the sport under his presidency.

Yet Infantino's leadership is not universally condemned. Samuel Eto'o, the celebrated former Cameroonian international, has come out in his defence, asserting that Infantino "has changed football" — a statement that frames the president's tenure as transformative rather than damaging.

This divide extends beyond individual opinions. Numerous national football federations continue to stand behind Infantino despite the wave of public criticism against him. Their continued backing suggests that, for some within football's institutional structures, the accusations levelled at Infantino do not warrant a change in leadership.

A recurring sentiment among his defenders can be summarised in one sceptical question: "Is it really that bad?" This framing implies that some observers view the current controversy as overstated, especially when weighed against what they see as Infantino's achievements in office.

The situation illustrates a clear fracture within the football community. On one side stand former players demanding accountability and change at FIFA's helm; on the other, federations and prominent figures like Eto'o who continue to endorse his presidency, seemingly unmoved by mounting public pressure.

This tension between grassroots dissatisfaction and institutional loyalty raises questions about how FIFA's legitimacy is judged — whether by the voices of former players who once represented the sport on the pitch, or by the federations that formally hold power within its structures.

As criticism continues to circulate, it remains to be seen whether this opposition will translate into any formal challenge to Infantino's position, or whether the continued support of federations will be enough to secure his standing at the top of world football's most powerful organisation.