Craig Burley accuses ex-players of silence on Infantino's failed FIFA profit scheme

Former Chelsea player Craig Burley slammed ex-football stars on ESPN August 8, 2026 for not criticizing FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the collapse of plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Burley claimed FIFA's integrity had 'long since deteriorated' and the stake-selling proposal was 'a deliberate plan' for financial gain, not a mistake, alleging Infantino's salary was set to increase dramatically. He stated the scheme was 'designed for individuals to profit significantly' including Infantino himself, and noted the plan was abandoned following widespread backlash from football associations. Burley praised Luis Figo for publicly demanding Infantino's resignation, urging other high-profile players on FIFA's payroll and Arsene Wenger to 'step forward' and 'slam this organization' to prioritize football over financial interests. He argued these figures understand the situation is wrong but remain silent due to FIFA compensation. The controversy adds to ongoing scrutiny of Infantino's leadership, including recent allegations about his personal conduct confirmed by UEFA. For Nigerian football fans invested in Super Falcons success and clean governance, this raises questions about whether profit motives compromise the sport's integrity at the highest level, affecting everything from World Cup qualification to youth development programs. With Nigeria's own football administration facing similar credibility challenges, Burley's call for accountability resonates locally—will more Nigerian stakeholders demand transparency from football leaders who profit from the game they govern?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/08/infantino-craig-burley-slams-former-players/