Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has criticized retired football icons for staying silent regarding FIFA president Gianni Infantino after his recent World Cup financial plans collapsed. Burley is pushing for high-profile figures and FIFA’s own Arsene Wenger to voice their opposition, even though they remain on the organization’s payroll.
During an appearance on ESPN, Burley argued that FIFA’s integrity has vanished. He dismissed the failed proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors as a premeditated scheme intended to enrich leadership, particularly Infantino, rather than an accidental oversight. Burley remarked that talk of integrity within FIFA is laughable, claiming the strategy was a calculated move to boost executive pay.
While praising Luis Figo for openly calling for Infantino’s resignation, Burley expressed frustration at the lack of support from other former players associated with the governing body. He urged these individuals to put the integrity of the sport above their own financial ties to the organization. He specifically challenged Arsene Wenger to address the situation, insisting that those in positions of influence should stop remaining passive while these controversial plans are addressed.
Infantino has since scrapped the controversial proposal to sell FIFA World Cup assets following intense pushback from the public and various national football associations.
