Infantino receives backing from former Argentina internationals amid FIFA scrutiny

Gianni Infantino has received public support from former Argentina internationals Javier Pastore, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso as debate over the FIFA president’s leadership intensifies ahead of the organisation’s election in March 2027.

The three players issued a joint statement defending Infantino’s record and highlighting what they described as an increased role for footballers since he became FIFA president.

“Over the past decade, we have witnessed FIFA and President Infantino’s commitment to ensuring that players are represented in the world of football, something that did not exist before,” they wrote on their Instagram accounts.

Pastore, Zanetti and Cambiasso said current and former players now have “a voice that is heard and an active role” through their involvement in various committees, projects and working groups.

They added: “Our opinions are heard, and many useful initiatives for football take shape thanks to our contributions, ideas, projects and active participation.”

Their statement comes at a time when Infantino is facing growing opposition over the direction of FIFA and the way the organisation is being run.

A number of former international players have recently called for a change in FIFA’s leadership. The group includes former France players Mikael Silvestre, Emmanuel Petit, Robert Pires, Olivier Dacourt, Louis Saha, Frederic Piquionne and Jessica Houara-D’Hommeaux.

The intervention by Pastore, Zanetti and Cambiasso therefore represents a significant public defence of the current structure at FIFA and of Infantino’s presidency.

The three former Argentina players argued that the involvement of players in FIFA’s committees and initiatives had helped give them a more meaningful influence within the organisation. Their comments directly contrast with the calls from other former internationals for a change in its administration.

Infantino’s position has become an increasingly contested issue as the March 2027 FIFA election approaches. The latest statement places the former Argentina internationals firmly on the side of the existing leadership, while criticism from other high-profile ex-players continues to grow.

The dispute centres on the future management of FIFA and the organisation’s relationship with players, both current and retired. Pastore, Zanetti and Cambiasso believe the opportunities available to players to contribute to FIFA’s work demonstrate progress under Infantino.

Their comments are the latest indication of the divide among former internationals over the president’s record. While some have demanded a new direction for FIFA, the Argentine trio have defended the existing model, saying their views are taken into account and that their participation has helped shape initiatives intended to benefit football.

With the next FIFA election still scheduled for March 2027, the public support from three well-known Argentine football figures adds weight to Infantino’s position as scrutiny of his presidency increases.