World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and Cafu have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid growing criticism of his leadership.

Their support comes after another group of former footballers called for a change in FIFA’s leadership.

The controversy follows Infantino’s abandoned proposal to open the World Cup to private investment.

The plan triggered widespread criticism, with several figures in football calling on him to resign.

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Former Stars Defend Infantino

Cannavaro, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, praised Infantino’s record in a social media post on Wednesday.

He said world football had improved over the past decade and that players had been placed back at the center of the game.

Cannavaro, now head coach of Uzbekistan, said Infantino had done a good job and deserved recognition.

Brazil legends Cafu and Roberto Carlos also posted messages supporting the FIFA president.

They were joined by former Argentina players Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso, Colombia’s Ivan Ramiro Cordoba and Mexico’s Jared Borgetti.

Cafu said FIFA had made progress in ensuring players have greater representation in football.

Former Players Demand Change

The messages came after a group led by former France defender Mikael Silvestre criticized FIFA’s current leadership.

In a letter released on Monday, the group accused FIFA’s leadership of putting its own interests ahead of what is best for football.

Pressure has increased on Infantino following the controversy over the private investment proposal.

Despite calls for him to step down, Infantino plans to contest FIFA’s next presidential election in March 2027.