FIFA chief Gianni Infantino criticised for impractical demand at Pele's funeral
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has bizarrely called for all 211 national football associations to name a stadium after the late, great Pele.
The Brazilian icon's two-day funeral started in Santos on Monday, with Infantino in attendance. Pele's coffin will lie in state at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira - Santos' ground - for 24 hours before a parade takes place on Tuesday. He will be laid to rest later that day.
Infantino's suggestion has been criticised on social media for its impracticality. It's unclear how each national association will come to a decision on which stadium to rename and whether supporters of the impacted clubs will agree with the proposal.
The FIFA chief was speaking to reporters at the funeral and revealed his organisation's plans to remember the three-time World Cup winner. "We are also going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele," he said.
Infantino's idea was met with an immediate backlash. "Wempele" and "Stadium:Pele" - a nod to MK Dons' Stadium:MK - were some of the ridiculous suggestions made. One fan even tweeted "today I feel Pele" - a play on words of Infantino's infamous "I feel" speech.
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Infantino's impractical suggestion may have come from a good place, but, fortunately, it did not overshadow a poignant day in footballing history. Brazil has prepared for Pele's funeral for years, as it's an opportunity for citizens to pay their respects to the country's favourite son.
Gianni Infantino offered his condolences to Pele's widow Marcia Aoki on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)What do you make of Gianni Infantino's suggestion? Let us know in the comments below!
As for Infantino, his demand was the latest faux pas made by the under fire FIFA chief, who is set to run unopposed in this year's presidential election.
The recent World Cup in Qatar was a financial success for FIFA, but a PR disaster for Infantino and his colleagues. FIFA was heavily criticised for allowing the Arab country to host the tournament due to its poor human rights record and general unsuitability.
Infantino was spotted offering his condolences to Pele's son Edinho - who also played for Santos - and his third wife, Marcia Aoki. Some of Pele's former team-mates - including Brazilian legends Jairzinho, Rivelino and Gerson - are also expected to pay their respects.
FIFA published a tribute to Pele after his death was announced on December 29. "For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come," said Infantino. "The day we lost Pele. 'O Rei' [the king] was unique in so many ways."
Infantino added: "Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world.
"His legacy is impossible to summarise in words. To his family and friends, to CBF, to Brazil and to all football fans who loved him so much, I express my sincere condolences... he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity."
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