It could be argued that Gianni Infantino is the least popular man in all of world football right now. After all, he will forever be remembered as the FIFA president who tried to sell the World Cup.

The administrator planned to profit from a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), which would allow private investors to purchase stakes in major international competitions, such as the World Cup and the Club World Cup. His scheme was rejected by most within the sport and will not go ahead.

For many, this has all been a step too far, with UEFA among those to express no confidence in Infantino – while past Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo has personally called for Infantino’s resignation. This is, however, not the first time the 56-year-old has sparked fury from within the footballing community.

Gianni Infantino Sparked Fury at Pele’s Funeral

REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

In late 2022, the sporting world was grieving the loss of a true great. Brazil legend Pele had just passed away at the age of 82. A few days later, FIFA president Infantino was among those to rush to his funeral.

His behaviour near Pele’s open coffin, however, was widely criticised. The Swiss football administrator was seen taking a selfie near the legend’s body as he lay in state at the stadium of his former club Santos before he was laid to rest.

Infantino took the picture alongside some of Pele’s former team-mates, including Lima. When news broke of his actions, there was a great outcry. A report from Sky News at the time noted that some fans online had labelled the behaviour as “classless”, a “disgrace”, “horrible” and “disgusting.”

The image below was shared on Reuters, showing Pele in his coffin while Infantino takes a selfie. GIVEMESPORT has cropped the photo so Pele is not visible.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino takes a selfie at Pele’s funeral via REUTERS/Diego Vara

Infantino Defended His Actions in Statement

To this day, Infantino’s response – which includes selfies taken at the funeral – remains up on his Instagram account. He didn’t exactly apologise for his actions either, but rather explained how ‘dismayed’ he was for being criticised.

His full statement read: “Just landed from my trip to Brazil where I had the privilege to participate in the beautiful homage to Pelé that took place at Vila Belmiro, in Santos.

“In the case of the selfie, Pele’s teammates asked to do a selfie of all of us together but they didn’t know how to do it. So, to be helpful, I took the phone of one of them and took the photo of all of us for him. If being helpful to a teammate of Pele creates criticism I’m happy to take it and will continue to be helpful wherever I can to those having contributed to write legendary pages of football.”

In typical Infantino style, he then went on the attack, claiming those who called out his behaviour should ‘admit they were wrong’ and apologise:

“The most important in any case is to pay tribute to King Pele, and whilst I humbly suggested that throughout our 211 member associations at least one football stadium or venue is named after him, we will set the example by giving the pitch in our headquarters the name “Estádio Pele – FIFA Zurich”. Um abraço e viva o Rei!”

Southampton are expected to sign Manchester City forward Divin Mubama on loan for the season, GIVEMESPORT understands.

The Saints are in the market for a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window after it was confirmed that Ross Stewart, who has now signed for Swansea City, would leave the club at the end of his contract.

Cyle Larin did see his loan move turned permanent this summer, while the Saints also have Damion Downs, who spent last season out on loan, and Cameron Archer as options through the middle of attack.

In terms of outgoings, Southampton are set to lose midfielder Shea Charles, with Fulham agreeing a £30m fee to secure his signature.

The Saints will be hoping to gain promotion to the Premier League, but they’ve been dealt a tricky start due to a four-point deduction heading into the new season.

Southampton expected to sign Man City starlet

Southampton are expected to secure the signature of Manchester City forward Divin Mubama on loan for the 2026/2027 season, GMS understands.

Mubama spent last season on loan at Stoke City, but he suffered an ankle injury in January, before bouncing back to full fitness in pre-season.

The 21-year-old has impressed during pre-season with Man City, scoring twice, including against Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Mubama made the move to Man City back in 2024, joining the club from West Ham following the expiration of his contract.

He’s struggled to break into the senior squad so far, but that’s hardly a surprise given his age and the number of superstar attackers in the side.

Big season ahead for Southampton

With the Saints being so close to gaining promotion to the Premier League last season, it’s a huge campaign approaching.

Southampton were, of course, deducted points while also being expelled from the Championship playoffs for spying on opposition teams during the 2025/2026 season.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the club and supporters, and there’s no doubt the Saints need to put things right on the pitch.

Automatic promotion might be difficult due to the quality of sides in the league next term, but a playoff push certainly shouldn’t be out o f the question for the south coast side.