France World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit has joined a growing group of football figures calling for change at FIFA, saying president Gianni Infantino should leave his position.
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Petit is among several former and current international players who signed an open letter criticising FIFA’s leadership and demanding greater transparency and a stronger voice for players and fans in major decisions.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder said the current leadership has moved away from football’s core values. He also admitted that while the open letter may raise awareness, he is doubtful it will immediately force change, describing the effort as “a wasted effort” intended to awaken people to the situation.
The criticism comes after growing opposition to Infantino’s controversial plans involving private investment in World Cup commercial rights. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and other senior football officials have also questioned Infantino’s leadership, increasing pressure ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027.
With more football legends now speaking out, Infantino is facing one of the strongest challenges to his leadership in recent years.