<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gianni-infantino/">Gianni Infantino</a>‘s grip on the FIFA presidency has been severely shaken since the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup amid mounting controversy surrounding a proposed private equity deal. With several European federations rescinding their backing, three prominent Argentine figures, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/javier-zanetti/">Javier “Pupi” Zanetti</a>, Esteban Cambiasso, and Javier Pastore, have offered Infantino a high-profile show of support ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential election.



The proposal to establish a subsidiary entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage media and commercial rights for premier <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fifa/">FIFA</a> competitions, while selling an equity stake to private investors, drew immediate pushback from member associations. Numerous governing bodies, led by UEFA members such as England and Ireland, have already withdrawn their support for Infantino while publicly calling for structural leadership reform at FIFA.



Facing an increasingly hostile political environment marked by high-level executive departures, including the dismissal of FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, Infantino received some crucial breathing room from prominent alumni. Via their respective Instagram accounts, Zanetti, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/esteban-cambiasso/">Cambiasso</a>, and Pastore posted a unified statement endorsing the sitting FIFA president:



“Over the last decade, we have witnessed the commitment of FIFA and President Infantino to ensuring player representation in the football world, something that previously did not exist. Current and former players have had a voice and an active role in our sport through their participation in committees, projects, and working groups. Our opinions are heard, and many initiatives that benefit football are taking shape thanks to our contributions, ideas, plans, and active participation.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1176" height="2048" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/08/25212921/javier-zanetti-card-1176x2048.webp" alt="Javier Zanetti&apos;s endorsement card to Gianni Infantino." class="wp-image-672680"><figcaption>Javier Zanetti’s endorsement letter to Gianni Infantino. (@javierzanetti)</figcaption></figure>



“We have seen firsthand how football can transform lives, improve societies, and increase opportunities for everyone globally; we are committed to continuing to bring this hope to people. We will continue to support the remarkable evolution that has characterized our sport over the past decade, so that it can continue to reach and benefit people in every country where football is played around the world,” read the statement published by Zanetti.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/gianni-infantinos-fifa-presidency-at-risk-as-uefa-executives-reportedly-seek-his-exit-and-push-for-rotating-presidents/"></div>


Zanetti, currently serving as vice president of Inter Milan, also holds the position of vice president on the FIFA Social Responsibility Committee for the 2025-29 term, while Cambiasso serves on the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG). <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/javier-pastore/">Pastore</a> remains the only member of the trio without an official FIFA appointment, operating through his agency, The Elegant Game, which represents high-profile talent such as Enzo Fernandez.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/08/25215512/javier-zanetti-gianni-infantino-1920x1080.webp" alt="Javier Zanetti of FIFA Legends blue team lifts the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino." class="wp-image-672692"><figcaption>Javier Zanetti of FIFA Legends blue team lifts the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Legends divided over Infantino’s leadership</h2>



Zanetti, Cambiasso, and Pastore were prominent figures throughout the 2026 World Cup in North America, featuring regularly in luxury suites as official guests for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> games. Their public endorsement of Infantino stands in sharp contrast to another open letter endorsed by an opposing group of legendary players who joined national federations in voicing discontent with FIFA’s current direction.



Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre served as a central voice in that pushback, issuing a critical statement regarding FIFA’s executive governance on X on Monday: “For too long we’ve seen major decisions taken without players being consulted or considered, and without any regard for the fans who sustain the sport. Change is necessary. Power has blurred the current leadership’s ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football. Enough is enough,” part of the statement read.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Enough is Enough ! <a href="https://t.co/86YKFQbCZx">pic.twitter.com/86YKFQbCZx</a>— Mikael Silvestre (@IamMSilvestre) <a href="https://x.com/IamMSilvestre/status/2091893184343245133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Silvestre, a member of FIFA’s Player Voice Panel, saw his statement amplified across social media by numerous retired stars. Among the notable figures backing the critique were England Lionesses defender Lucy Bronze, former goalkeeper David James, Emmanuel Petit, Didier Drogba, Robert Pires, Claudio Pizarro, Emmanuel Adebayor, and former Argentine international Juan Sebastian Veron.

Gianni Infantino sees support grow as Argentina icons Zanetti, Cambiasso and Pastore back him ahead of FIFA election

Gianni Infantino sees support grow as Argentina icons Zanetti, Cambiasso and Pastore back him ahead of FIFA election - World Soccer Talk

main

<div style="float: right;margin-left: 5px"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/sports/sports-news-february-2009/image/3992904?term=Walter+Mazzarri" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright" style="border: 0px initial initial" src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/3992904/sports-news-february-2009/sports-news-february-2009.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=3992904" border="0" alt="04288565 date 15 02 2009 Copyright imago Gribaudi team manager Walter Mazzarri Sampdoria Genoa angry PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA Vdig horizontal premiumd Highlight Series A 2008 2009 1 League Turin Disappointment Desperation Anger Impatience Football men Team Italy Group photo pessimistic Action shot Highlight Human Beings funny Photo via Newscom" width="300" height="200"></figure></div></a></div>
The Serie A is getting more and more exciting, especially after these recent results, and the matches which will be played this Sunday. Napoli got an important 1-0 win away against Genoa, Palermo came back to beat Parma 3-1 at the Renzo Barbera, and Udinese also completed a comeback win at home, 2-1 over Fiorentina. While we had three important matches today, there’s plenty more action to come tomorrow when AC Milan travel to Bologna and then Juventus host Lazio.
Napoli defeated Genoa 1-0 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, and what&nbsp;separated&nbsp;the two sides was a bullet header by Marek Hamsik. It was Gargano’s free kick on the 25th minute, swung in with great pace, which Hamsik flicked wonderfully past Eduardo. Genoa created opportunities, but they weren’t able to capitalize on key chances. This win puts Walter Mazzari’s side in second place, equal on points with Lazio who will be facing fourth placed Juventus tomorrow. The bianconeri are three points behind Lazio and Napoli, so if Juve can manage to win, there will be three teams equal on points in second place.
Palermo hosted Parma at the Renzo Barbera stadium, and Parma coach Pasquale Marino was unable to see his side take the lead due to his mother’s death. It was a header by Lucarelli which hit the back of the net after a well placed corner. The first half lacked the usual inspiration which Javier Pastore provided for Palermo, and Delio Rossi eventually decided to take the Argentinean off at halftime. Instead it was the Chilean Pinilla who took his place, scoring the equalizer just five minutes into the second half, and then assisting Miccoli for Palermo’s second goal. Kasami secured the result when his header bounced off of Zaccardo’s head, and into the back of the Parma net for an own goal.
And in the third match today, Udinese came back against Fiorentina to win 2-1, and it was a match filled with wonderful goals. Santana struck first, a low, long-range effort which Handanovic had fallen asleep on allowed the visitors to take the lead. But in the second half Guidolin’s side reacted, first with Pablo Armero’s thunderbolt strike from far out, and then Di Natale’s goal which was preceded by some beautiful one-touch build-up play. An important win for Guidolin’s side which is making up for their bad start to the season, and right now Udinese are 8th in the table.
What are your thoughts regarding these matches? Plenty of exciting play, moments, and goals, and hopefully more will come tomorrow when Juventus and Lazio face off. Share your comments below!

Napoli In Second Place After Win Over Genoa

Napoli In Second Place After Win Over Genoa - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Javier Pastore. Find out about all the news related to Javier Pastore on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Javier Pastore"

News

Gianni Infantino sees support grow as Argentina icons Zanetti, Cambiasso and Pastore back him ahead of FIFA election

News

Napoli In Second Place After Win Over Genoa