FIFA President Gianni Infantino criticized after a selfie in front of the corpse First. Infantino also defended himself.
The football world is in mourning following Pele’s death last week. The Brazilian soccer legend closed his eyes for good after battling colon cancer.
On Monday (2/1/2023), Pele will be taken from the Albert Einstein hospital to the Estadio Urbani Caldeira, Santos’ headquarters, for burial. On the way to him, Pele was greeted as a hero.
Upon arriving at the stadium, Pelé was also surrounded by notable figures on the grid, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino. he took part in paying tribute to the legend on behalf of FIFA.
Not only that, Infantino also captured the moment in front of Pele’s body through his camera with Pele’s family, namely widow Marcia Aoki and son Edinho.
JUST IN: #BNNBrazil Relationships.@FIFA com President Gianni Infantino was seen taking a selfie right next to Pele’s open casket at the vigil in the Brazilian city of Santos for Pele. #Pelefuneral #First #Infantino #Society pic.twitter.com/ptfcx88FMF
Gurbaksh Singh Chahal (@gchahal) January 3, 2023
The photo, which was widely shared on social media, was later heavily criticized by Pele’s former colleagues. Infantino is believed to have gone too far with the selfie action in the midst of an atmosphere of mourning.
As for the criticism, Infantino has tried to clear it up. According to the man from Switzerland, it was the Pele family who asked him to take a selfie, so he couldn’t refuse.
“I just landed from a trip to Brazil to say goodbye to Pelé. I’m surprised to see some people criticizing my selfie at the funeral yesterday,” he said. Gianni Infantino on his instagram account.
“I want to clarify that I am honored and flattered when Pelé’s colleagues and family members ask to take selfies and take pictures with me. I accepted.”
“As for selfies, Pele’s colleagues asked all of us to come, but didn’t know how to do it. So I tried to help out by taking a photo of one of them and a photo of all of us.”
“If my good intention to help Pele’s friends is criticized, I am happy to accept it and I will continue to help football legends wherever I am.”
“I have great respect and admiration for Pele. I certainly would not have acted inappropriately at yesterday’s ceremony.”
Watch a video “President Jokowi-President of FIFA discusses Kanjuruhan tragedy, this is the result“
[Gambas:Video 20detik]
(mrp/pur)
