FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received a boost from several South American legends, who have all endorsed his continued leadership.
Infantino has been under increasing pressure since the collapse of his controversial plan to sell a portion of FIFA's operations to private investors.
Three confederations – Concacaf, UEFA and the AFC – have expressed doubts over Infantino's leadership
, leading to real questions over whether he can survive.After several former players and current England star Lucy Bronze came out against Infantino on Tuesday, Aug. 25, the embattled leader received support from a number of ex-players on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Among the group supporting Infantino were iconic Brazil fullbacks Cafu and Roberto Carlos, and longtime
Argentina internationals Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Pastore.
Cafu, Cambiasso and Pastore all shared a statement on social media that was nearly identical.
"Over the past 10 years we have witnessed the work done by FIFA and president Infantino to achieve representation for footballers in the world of football, something that did not exist before," they said.
Infantino received support from Europe as well, as Italy legend Christian Vieri and longtime Portugal defender Pepe also shared similar statements.
Former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo said on Instagram: "I believe in FIFA and I believe in president Gianni Infantino."
Mexico legend Jared Borgetti also shared a statement in support of Infantino on his Instagram story.
"We believe in FIFA's ability – and that of Gianni Infantino – to bring people together, create opportunities and transform communities," Borgetti said.
While most Concacaf nations have opposed Infantino's continued leadership, Mexico has been an outlier in its support for the FIFA president.
Infantino is up for re-election in March 2027 as he seeks a fourth term. Though he is the only candidate running currently, the Switzerland native is expected to face a contested election.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Legendary players back embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino
